STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1118

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

 

RE:   S.B. No. 416

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 416, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CYCLE TRACKS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to increase traffic safety for bicyclists and promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.  Among other things, this measure:

 

     (1)  Authorizes the use of State Highway Fund monies for the establishment of cycle tracks;

 

     (2)  Defines what constitutes a cycle track;

 

     (3)  Specifies authorized uses of a cycle track under the Statewide Traffic Code; and

 

     (4)  Authorizes lanes, paths, routes, ways, and cycle tracks to be used by pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, and mopeds in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Transportation or the adoption of an ordinance by a county.

 


     The Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, and Hawaii Bicycling League testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Transportation supported the intent of this measure.

 

     Bicycling is an ideal alternative to motorized vehicle travel since it reduces traffic, is environmentally friendly, and promotes good health.  However, despite Honolulu’s beautiful weather and mostly flat terrain, the city ranks 40th in the nation in the League of American Bicyclists’ bike-friendly-state rankings, with bicyclists facing numerous dangers on their daily commute.

 

     One alternative to address bicycle safety is through the creation of a cycle track, which is an exclusive bikeway that is physically separated from motor traffic and distinct from the sidewalk.  This type of bikeway facility has been in use in Northern Europe since the 1960s and has grown in use and popularity in the United States over the last decade.  Honolulu's first cycle track was established on King Street in December of 2014.  Authorizing the use of State Highway Fund monies for the establishment of additional cycle tracks would help to promote an alternative form of transportation, promote bicycle safety, and alleviate traffic congestion, particularly in Honolulu's urban core.

 

     Cycle tracks also fulfill the intent of the Complete Streets Policy established under section 264-20.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), "that seeks to reasonably accommodate convenient access and mobility for all users of the public highways within their respective jurisdictions as described under section 264-1, [HRS,] including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and persons of all ages and abilities."

 

     While your Committee finds that questions and concerns were raised regarding the restriction by rule or county ordinance, if any, on the use of lanes, paths, routes, ways, and cycle tracks by pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, and mopeds, this measure deserves further consideration.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure be changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

 


     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 416, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 416, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair