Summary
Get Fit Kaua‘i & Kaua‘i Path Inc. partnered and commissioned Racquel Segato-Figueroa to complete and map out bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on Kaua‘i. The goal was to document the existing and planned active transportation infrastructure on Kaua’i and identify gaps and areas to advocate for further expansion, focusing initially on the communities of Puhi, Līhuʻe, Hanamāʻulu, Wailua, Wailua Homesteads, and Kapa’a. Data on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure including bike boxes, bike lanes, shared roads, multi-use paths, crosswalks, sidewalks, and side paths were collected using satellite imagery from the pictometry software Eagle View and ground truthing. Next steps will be to collect data for the rest of the island to complete the picture of Kaua’i’s active transportation infrastructure.
What is Active Transportation and why is it important?
Active transportation refers to walking, bicycling, and other modes of transport powered by human energy. It includes public transportation since riders often walk/roll to stops or make other active trips throughout the day. Investing in active transportation has many benefits:
Public Health
Active transportation creates opportunities for people to live a healthy, active lifestyle. The exercise benefits of active transportation may help reduce the risks of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and improve mental health. Reducing motor vehicle travel decreases exposure to illness-causing pollutants, as well as the risk of crashes.
Environment
On-road transportation makes up a quarter of Kaua’i’s greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing active transportation and reducing motor vehicle travel helps move Kaua’i toward a clean transportation future.
Economy
Active transportation lowers transportation costs for individuals and families. It increases property values since communities with active transportation infrastructure are more desirable. Active transport causes less wear and tear on streets, saving cities expensive road maintenance. It also boosts tourism by creating fun, active ways for visitors to explore.
Equity
Cities committing to prioritizing active transportation systems support transportation equity for those who can’t travel by private vehicle due to cost, disability, age, or other circumstances. Unsafe streets are barriers that limit access to jobs, education, and essential goods and services.
Conclusion
This data will be used by several County of Kaua‘i departments including Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Transit. View now in a story map (ArcGIS).
For more information about Get Fit Kaua‘i please visit hiphi.org/kauai/getfitkauai
