Planning on joining us? Help us get a head count & RSVP by Sunday, August 18th.
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Join Biki for a Free Community Event at Ala Moana Beach Park
Biki Stop #244 / Picnic Area #1
Thursday, August 22 from 4:30pm - 7:30pm
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Guided Biki Rides (for those 16+) along the Ala Moana portion of the Lei of the Parks shared-use path with The South Shore Trail Group
- Community Yoga Class offered by CorePower Yoga Ward
- Free Pizza (while supplies last!)
- Free Salad and Fruits (while supplies last!) donated by Blue Zones Project Hawaii
- Free raffle with prizes generously donated by: All Good Products, Body Balance Honolulu, CorePower Yoga Ward , Dream Float Hawaii, Laird Superfoods, Orangetheory Fitness , We Heart Cake Company, lululemon, Yoga in HI places, European Wax Center, Red Light Healing Center & more!
No purchase necessary. Must be present to win.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
4:30pm onwards: 30-minute guided Biki rides, food and refreshments
6:00pm: Raffle drawing (must be present to win!)
6:30pm - 7:15pm: 45-minute, all-levels, Community Yoga Class (BYO-Yoga Mat or towel!)
RSVP TODAY!
Questions?
Contact Mike@bikesharehawaii.org. For more info about Biki, visit GoBiki.org.
Biki is Honolulu’s bikeshare program, managed by the not-for-profit 501(c)3 Bikeshare Hawaii, and operated by Secure Bike Share. Launched June 28, 2017, Biki offers 135 conveniently located self-service “Biki Stops” from Iwilei to Diamond Head and 1,300 Biki bikes. Biki’s team of dedicated local employees are on board to interact with the community, answer questions and resolve issues, keep Biki Stops well maintained and stocked, and ensure bikes are all set to ride. For more information, subscribe to their e-newsletter, or follow Biki on Facebook, Instagram
We’ve teamed up with Shaka Guide to offer riders a FREE self-guided Biki tour of the POW! WOW! murals, offering little-known history and context behind the murals and their artists.
Biki turns two! Celebrating our birthday with 2 new Biki Stops, the chance to win tickets to Tokyo, and an Independence Day Biki Valet!
Get the scoop on recent system changes including new station installations, expansions, relocations and removals.
Takeaways from the Oahu Bike Plan
The main goals of the O'ahu Bike Plan are:
- To increase the mode share of bicycle trips
- To enhance cooperation between roadways users
- To encourage and promote bicycling as a safe, convenient, and pleasurable means of travel
- To be recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a gold level bicycle friendly community
To build the plan, the City & County Department of Transportation Services sought public response through public meetings, online surveys, and a map tool where over 1,000 comments and suggestions were made on improving our island's bikeway network. There are currently 205 miles of existing bikeways on O'ahu. The O'ahu Bike Plan Draft proposes "an addition of 577 miles of bicycle facilities (including 327 miles of City facilities budgeted at about $152 million)" to connect our neighborhoods. The plan goes into detail some of the concerns made by local 'cyclists and ways to encourage more bicycle riders.
You can read the O'ahu Bike Plan and use the interactive map to view the proposed bikeway network.
p.49 Proposed Bikeways in the Honolulu Urban Core
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
Biki ranked 6th as most used bikeshare system within the U.S. We climbed up two spots from #8 in 2017! - National Association of City Transportation Officials - "Shared Mobility Report"
- In 2018, over 11,000 people participated in bicycle education programs on O'ahu - 2019 O'ahu Bike Plan Draft p.31
- Honolulu is ranked 5th in the nation for transit ridership per capita. - 2019 O'ahu Bike Plan Draft p.24
- Honolulu ranked 12th amongst the country's largest cities for bicycling commuting - "Where We Ride 2014: Analysis of Bike Commuting"
- Within the 1st year of operations, Biki had 838,622 total Biki rides! - 365 Days of Biki
- Recognized as a Bronze level Bicycling Community by the League of American Bicyclists (2014 & 2018)
- As of July 1st, Hawai'i is the 37th state to pass a law requiring drivers to give bicyclists 3-feet of space when passing or overtaking the lane. - Hawai'i Bicycling League "3 Feet for Safer Streets"
THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT BICYCLING:
- Commit to Vision Zero - aiming to reduce traffic fatalities to zero
- Develop seamless connections between bikes and transit
- Expand encouragement and education efforts
- Establish a comprehensible bikeway maintenance program
- Implement a consistent signage and wayfinding program
- Evaluate bicycle facilities and programs
IMPROVEMENTS - RELUCTANCY TO RIDE
The O'ahu Bike Plan addresses common areas of concern from survey participants. The O'ahu Bike Plan vision is to create a bikeways system that is accessible to all levels, skills, and ages. Nationally, most community members who have been surveyed, are considered to be "Interested but Concerned" riders. Within our own 2018 Biki member study, 70% of members did not consider themselves to be 'cyclists.
- Safety - One of the primary reasons survey respondents either do not ride or ride less frequently is due to safety concerns. Connecting our bike lanes, adding signage, and educating the community can all be used to encourage more cyclists on the roads.
- Gaps within the Network - There are numerous areas of the bicycle network that are not connected. The missed connections can create a sense of insecurity for bicyclists who are interested in cycling but have concerns. For example, one main concern in town is the end of Ala Wai Blvd. The bike lane disappears yards before the McCully bridge, forcing 'cyclists to fend for themselves at the busy intersection. For these gaps, we should remind cyclists that they have the right to take up the lane if they feel more comfortable within the lane.
- Aloha on the roads - As the saying goes, "Slow down, this ain't the mainland!" Both 'cyclists and drivers should commute with more awareness for our surroundings. The goal of 'Vision Zero" is to prevent all traffic-related fatalities, that requires everyone to be more friendly on the road... and off their phones!
ADVOCACY
Now that the O'ahu Bike Plan has been published, we need to keep the wheels rolling! The O'ahu Bike Plan suggests an additional 577 miles of bikeways be included on O'ahu's public infrastructure. Through community engagement we can ensure the O'ahu Bike Plan becomes a reality.
A few ways to advocate for bicycling:
- Read the O'ahu Bike Plan for yourself and decide what paths you feel are the most valuable to your commute.
- Join the Hawaii Bicycling League Bike Advocacy Team
- Attend your monthly Neighborhood Board Meeting. Use your voice to share safety concerns or routes that you believe need oversight. Neighborhood Boards consist of community members, city officials, and elected representatives.
- Encourage your Family/Friends/Neighbors to bicycle. HBL hosts FREE monthly bicycling workshops to encourage more riders.
- Encourage hesitant riders to use low-stress riding paths such as the Lei of Parks, Pearl Harbor Historical Trail, Civic Center Path, and the Ke Ala Pupukea Bike Path to build confidence in riding and experience the benefits of cycling.
- Download the Honolulu 311 App, Call into the Pothole Hotline (768-7777), or fill out the Honolulu Pothole Request Form to report unsafe road conditions.
- Be more vocal on social media about our bicycling community and safety needs!
Screenshot of 2019 "O'ahu Bike Plan Update Proposed Bikeway Network" Interactive Map Website
WHAT IS THE OAHU BICYCLE PLAN?
Drafted by the City & County Department of Transportation Services, "The focus of this 2019 O’ahu Bike Plan Update is to identify specific projects, policies, and programs that will expand bicycle ridership and provide a network of safe, comfortable bikeways suitable to users of all ages and abilities." p.8
Over the past year, Mariah has taken more than 1250 Biki rides and attributes bikeshare to helping her lose over 40 pounds, connect with the love of her life and improve her financial situation. We were so impressed and intrigued that we reached out to Mariah to learn more about how and why she has incorporated Biki into her life.
Thank you Mariah for sharing your story, advice and enthusiasm with us!
What made you decide to join Biki?
When I first came to Hawaii I was earning my Master's at HPU. I was a full-time employee and student, with a university bus pass but after graduating I had to find an alternative. I was fortunate to receive a free car from the Living The Word Ministries, but I was paying so much for insurance, gas and parking. The highest downtown rate was $380, which was like a whole paycheck at the time. I ended up paying $150 but I still had to bus to get to my workplace. I offered to give the car back after about 5 months and went from paying $150 a month PLUS a bus ride to $15.00 a month plus a healthier lifestyle!
Why do you use Biki?
I am balling on a budget. 12 months, 15 bucks a month ($180 per year). Yes, you can buy a bike for that much - but Biki is more reliable, safer, worry-free. Unlock, ride, return. End of discussion. No concerns or doubts about your bike or bike parts being stolen, ongoing maintenance, etc. The only surprise you might experience is an empty station, which is a win-win because you get to take a stroll down the block and enjoy the scenery on your way to the next station.
In one week alone my partner spent more $128.00 on rideshare. I introduced him to Biki and now I love hearing him talk about being healthy and taking care of the environment. Well, I love hearing him talk about anything with his blissful Jamaican accent!
Best Biki Tip
Nobody has ever died from being late. Ride safe for yourself and others. There's not always bike lanes or enough seconds to make the light down the block. No worries, be safe.
Do you Biki Together?
We use Biki daily and it adds to our relationship in such a grand way. When I first met Kevin, he mentioned he had never tried it before, so, for our first official date I showed him how to check out a bike and we departed for a semi-long, romantic ride from Aloha Tower to Lanikai Juice at Kakaako.
This Biki to breakfast experience totally added to our connection and I was able to learn a lot more about him. He had not ridden a bike since he was a child in Jamaica, so it was awesome teaching him something and offering a new experience. We talked about the ride for days following and now ride regularly to Whole Foods, Aloha Tower, around the city and to Ala Moana. It gives us more options, keeps us healthy, helps us grow together and communicate better. We truly believe there is release, joy, peace, laughter, connection, adventure and love through Biki. We may even ride down the aisle together.... I never would have guessed so much could come from a Biki trip.
Anything you want to share with Biki Members or those who haven't given it a try?
Nike said it best...Just Do It. It will make your heart and soul smile. One ride is only 4 quaters less than a bus ride AND you do not have to wait. I first thought biking was a joke and childish when I was figuring out how to make it to work in time. Now there is no shame in my game since it just makes so much sense. I have definitely been given and gave a new perspective of biking to others. It is a nice feeling of unity and connection when you pass/see/know others using Biki too. It's like the best bike club ever!
Have a fun or unique Biki story, idea or experience you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email info@bikesharehawaii.org to get in touch.
Enter our #FlyingHonu Instagram competition for the chance to win 2 round trip tickets to Japan on ANA’s new Airbus 380!
By Mike Brady, NPS Conservation Legacy Intern
"I am by far the clumsiest and least spatially aware person I know... and if I can relearn how to ride a bike as an adult.. there's hope for anyone" - Anthony Chang, Chinatown Resident
Group Participants Pose for a Picture after the Workshop
Last weekend we joined Hawaii Bicycling League on one of their free Biki Basics Workshop! HBL organizes various bicycling workshops around Oahu to encourage bike riding and safety, including workshops specific to Biki riders. Safe Streets Advocate, Anthony Chang joined us for the ride. Anthony learned first-hand the dangers of the road when his sister was tragically hit by a vehicle as she was crossing the street a few years ago. Since then, Anthony has educated himself and others on the importance of transforming Hawaii into a commuter friendly state. Studies have shown communities that adding protected bicycle lanes and increase overall bicycling leads to fewer traffic collisions and fatalities.
Hawaii Bicycling League will show you how to purchase, unlock, and lock your Biki Bike
Like Anthony, many of the participants had not ridden a bike in years, several have been off two wheels since the 80s or 90s! Whether it’s been a few months or years off a bicycle, there are free bicycling workshops geared for all levels of riders. The 2 hour Biki Basics Bicycling Workshop started with a discussion of safety tips and rules of the road. We talked about the importance of visibility on the road. 'Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. It is important to indicate to other drivers your intention to turn or switch lanes. You should also ride in the same direction as traffic. Biki Bicycles include a built-in front & rear light to make cycling more safe at night.
After the discussion, we hopped on our Biki's and tried various obstacles in the closed parking lot. We practiced biking through lanes, turn signals, and double checking before we turn onto other roads. To complete our training, we took our practice to play on the road. As a group, we biked through Makiki and stopped a the Makiki District Park Biki Stop to learn how to unlock & lock a Biki Bike. It was all smiles at the end of our workshop.
For more information on Biki Fares go to: https://gobiki.org/fares/
During the bicycling workshop, you will go thru various obstacle courses to test your road skills.
As we ended the HBL Biki Workshop, Anthony says, "I will now commute to work daily before 4am, and sometimes to UH Manoa from Chinatown 2-3 times a week, when I don't have something to read on the bus and/or want exercise. I may also use it for recreation or fun. If I get really serious about bicycling I may just purchase my own bicycle in the long run. Biki was an easy, convenient, and fun way to help me get back into bicycling, where I may not have or took longer to otherwise, or not happened at all."
Sign Up for a Free Workshop with HBL!
The Biki Basics workshop is a great way to learn how to use a Biki bike, meet neighbors, and fine-tune your safety skills! Have you attended a free bicycling workshop yet? Hawaii Bicycling League hosts various types of free workshops around Oahu for you to participant in! Go to https://www.hbl.org/bikibasics for upcoming events and information.
Host Your Own Workshop!
Interested in a private workshop for your workplace or community group? Contact us at info@bikesharehawaii.org
Safety Tips:
- Ride with traffic, not against it
- Signal your intention to turn and stop
- Double check your surrounding before you switch lanes or turn
- Be cautious of exiting drivers when biking near parked cars
Try Biki Today!
Go to https://gobiki.org/map-of-biki-stops/ to find the nearest Biki Stop to you!
New bike lanes in 2019, May Member of the Month, upcoming pau hana event and an exclusive Biki Member offer!
Three long-time friends celebrated a milestone birthday with a hike, swim and first-time Biki ride! Mahalo to Judy, Ruta and Emily for sharing their story and photos.
What was the occasion? What is the Tour De Ala Moana?
We came up with the theme, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", that steered us to celebrate our milestone birth year (75!) by doing something healthy and active, incorporating activities we’ve enjoyed doing together in the past. Tour De Ala Moana was an anniversary celebration of our "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" theme. We chose this theme as we got involved with swimming, hiking, biking - exercise and fun. The day involved a hike up the Haunama Bay trail, a Biki ride and swim at Ala Moana Beach Park, and lot's of yummy food and good times!
Why did you decide to incorporate Biki? How did you utilize Biki throughout the event?
Our Biki Bike adventure had been hatching for several months. This was our first Biki experience even though we'd biked years ago together about once a week. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" also incorporated hiking (see photos), birthday celebrating and eating ... and, of course, talking! Because the Biki Bikes were easy to ride, our experience wasn't challenging - flat terrain, easy step-through, easy to operate and not a lot of people to run into.
What membership plan did you use? Why?
We each downloaded the Biki App and purchased Free Spirit Plans. Going forward, we hope to do this at least once a month -to Biki somewhere - so the bank of 300 minutes is an ideal option. We loved the big Ala Moana Beach Park stop close to Magic Island. It was just right to get started us on our Biki adventure.
Do you have any Biki tips or words of wisdom for a new rider?
It's such a fun experience. Select your Biki station and review the terrain if you're just starting out. I think the next adventure on Biki may be around the Ala Wai Canal using the Lei of Parks trail. Please bring some Bikis to Hawaii Kai!
Have an interesting Biki story you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email info@bikesharehawaii.org.