A Bad Bill Deferred

Bill 68 would have been BAD for bikeways and Complete Streets. It would have required a City Council resolution for every individual bikeway project. This flies in face on good systems planning which is needed to build a network of bikeways and embodied in the Oahu Bike Plan. It would roll back our landmark Complete Streets ordinance that made consideration of bikeways a requirement with all new construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects. See bottom for info on why Bill 68 would h

Luckily, the the overwhelming opposing testimonies were heard. At the 11/19/15 hearing, Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, Bill 68’s introducer, started the hearing by saying that he was requesting that the bill be deferred and that he intends to work with DTS to come up with a positive alternative. Thank you to all those that were part of this opposing testimony.

GOOD alternatives

HBL met Ozawa and most of the other councilmembers to discuss Bill 68 and propose an alternative approach. The stated goals of Bill 68 is increased transparency, accountability, and public and council involvement in bikeway implementation. There are options to achieve these goals without impeding bikeway implementation, as Bill 68 will do. HBL looked at models from around the US and found the Seattle model to achieve these goals in a way that HELPS the advancement of bikeways and Complete Streets.

We have urged councilmembers to consider the Seattle model as an alternative to Bill 68:

Master bicycle plan with 20-year network (which we already have) – this provides the overall network vision to make cycling safe and accessible to all

5-year bikeway implementation plan updated on an annual basis – this creates a high level of transparency into how the priorities and projects identified in the master bicycle plan are being implemented, while allowing for response to unforeseen opportunities and needs.

Implementation update to council every 6 months

Use of a 2 public meeting process for bikeway projects with a significant potential for impacts, such as parking and traffic flow – this ensures that all members of the community have the opportunity to have their needs, desires, and concerns heard and considered in the final outcome

These combined procedures will ensure a high level of transparency in bikeway prioritization and implementation, accountability in implementation of the bike plan, and robust community and council involvement.

Stay Involved Thank you to all those that submitted testimony, called your Councilmember, and urged others to act. Your actions played a GIANT role in Bill 68 being deferred in seek of a good solution. While the day’s news is positive, we are going to have to remain vigilant as it’s possible the next bill could be negative.

If you aren’t already, please join our Bike Advocacy Team to stay involved in this and other bicycle advocacy issues.

Bill 68 – Impediment to Bikeways, Bad for Complete Streets