Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Takes Center Stage at Hawaiʻi Island Events

As traffic-related fatalities continue to rise across the state, communities on Hawai‘i Island are taking action to promote road safety for all users, whether walking, biking, driving, or riding micro-mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes. As of April 1, 2025, there have been 35 traffic fatalities statewide compared to 28 during the same time last year. While Hawaiʻi Island has seen a slight decrease, with 13 deaths through mid-May compared to 16 in 2024, the numbers remain concerning. 

To address this, community organizations and agencies have been hosting events to raise awareness and promote safer road use. In March, the Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS) Public Charter School organized a road safety fair at the Billy Kenoi Sports Complex and Park in Pāhoa. The event featured booths and interactive activities from partners like People for Active Transportation Hawaiʻi (PATH), Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Hawaiʻi County Police and Fire Departments, Hilo Benioff Medical Center, and Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute (HIPHI). HIPHI gathered community feedback on needed built environment improvements, such as protected bike lanes and walking paths, enhanced lighting, and better education on sharing the road with cyclists to help guide our advocacy work at both the state and county levels. 

In May, the County of Hawaiʻi hosted Trek the Trails, a family-friendly event held at Hilo’s Wailoa State Park. The day began with a community walk along the Hilo Bayfront Trails and featured 12 local organizations offering resources on pedestrian and bike safety, environmental stewardship, tobacco prevention education, financial literacy, and more. With the support of the county’s police and fire departments, the event emphasized how personal responsibility and community awareness can save lives. 

Beyond these local efforts, partners across the state, including Hawai‘i Bicycling League, Maui Bicycling League, PATH, and the statewide Safe Routes to School team, continue to advocate for safer, more connected communities. In support of these initiatives, the State Department of Health recently launched its Vision Zero campaign, a statewide commitment to eliminating traffic fatalities. As the campaign reminds us, “Together, we can end deaths and serious injuries on our roads.” 

Interested in supporting bicycle and pedestrian safety or getting involved with HEAL? Contact Patti Hatzistavrakis at patti@hiphi.org.