KEA‘AU — In a strong showing of unity and advocacy, 21 cyclists from across the Big Island gathered at Herbert Shipman Park on Saturday to embark on a 22-mile round-trip ride to the Billy Kenoi Park in Pahoa.
Led by State Representative Greggor Ilagan (District 4, Lower Puna), the ride was organized by the Hawaii Public Health Institute (HIPHI), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and wellness in Hawaii. The event highlighted the pressing need for safer bike routes along Route 130, a popular yet hazardous stretch for both recreational and commuting cyclists.
Rep. Ilagan, alongside Franz Weber from PATH (People for Active Transportation Hawai‘i) and Hawaii Cycling Club, welcomed the participants and emphasized bike safety precautions before the group set off under overcast skies. The cyclists, with varying levels of familiarity with Route 130, pedaled through the town of Kea‘au then onto the Route 130, while advocating for improvements in road safety on a route frequented by many in the cycling community.
Upon reaching Billy Kenoi Park, participants engaged in a “Road Audit,” offering insights on what is working and what needs improvement along the route. While many praised the wide shoulders and the considerate motorists, they also voiced concerns over essential areas that required attention. Key issues discussed included the need for regular landscape maintenance, clearer and more consistent signage, alternate routes through the area, and additional measures to enhance safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.
As cyclists prepared for the return journey, they noted increased safety challenges on the reverse side of the highway. More debris, likely from the nearby Transfer Station, cluttered the shoulder which created obstacles in the bike lane. Newly installed delineators near Paradise Road and Shower Lane, as well as narrow bike lanes around roundabouts, further restricted safe passage. Additionally, cyclists faced difficulty making a left turn back into Kea‘au, opting instead to use the pedestrian crosswalk to avoid crossing high-speed traffic.
The event certainly emphasized a larger need for a Complete Streets Policy on Hawaii Island — a concept aimed at designing roads to serve all users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
The participants expressed hope for future rides to bring attention to other areas on the island that face similar safety challenges.
HIPHI and Rep. Ilagan are committed to advancing these conversations with plans to bring bike safety and infrastructure improvements to the forefront in the 2025 Legislative Session. As cycling and pedestrian advocacy continue to grow, the group ride served as an effective step toward ensuring safer roads for all island residents.