HONOLULU — Bikeshare Hawaii and Hawaii Bicycling League, with the generous support of Central Pacific Bank, celebrate Bike Month by distributing 300 new Shaka by CPB branded helmets to bike riders on May 12 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ka Makana Alii Center Court in Kapolei, according to a news release.
Standard bike and multi-sport helmets in a variety of colors will be available in adult and keiki sizes on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. A trained HBL volunteer will properly fit recipients onsite.
“We thank Central Pacific Bank for caring for the community and again sponsoring the free helmet event,” said Bikeshare Hawaii Marketing Director Kelsey Colpitts in the release.
In an email to Spectrum News Hawaii, Colpitts reminds everyone that though biking is a fun and healthy activity, safety should always come first. “According to Hawaii state law, properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmets are required to be worn by all riders under the age of 16. While adults are not legally required to wear one, it’s important to remember that helmets can offer potentially life-saving benefits for everyone, regardless of age and experience level,” Colpitts said.
You don’t need to be a CPB customer, Biki member or HBL member to pick up a helmet. Free helmets are limited to one per person present at the event.
“Riding a bike is an environmentally friendly way to get around while also getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors. There are so many reasons to ride a bike and we want people to be safe and wear a helmet while riding,” said Central Pacific Bank President and CEO Arnold Martines in the release. “Mahalo to the Hawaii Bicycling League and Bikeshare Hawaii for their help and support with National Bike Month.”
The Hawaii Bicycling League and Bikeshare Hawaii present events throughout May for the biking community. Visit the HBL website for detailed information on the following events and to sign up for workshops. All are free except the May 24 pau hana.
- May 12: Free helmet giveaway at Ka Makana Alii, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- May 13 and 20: Bike valet at Kakaako Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m.-noon
- May 14: Smart Cycling Clinic, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- May 20: Intro to E-bikes, 9-11 a.m.
- May 21: Bike valet at Lokahi Kailua Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- May 24: Bike Month pau hana (tickets: $10/person), 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- May 26: Yoga for Cyclists at Yoga Under the Palms in Kaimuki, 5-6 p.m.
In addition, every Tuesday in May, Biki will host Energizer Stations on the King Street Protected Bike Lane, 3-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Bike riders and bike commuters can stop for free snacks, refreshments and swag provided from businesses such as 7-Eleven, Ward Village, Blue Planet Foundation, Planet Fitness and Ulupono Initiative.
Colpitts said there are many reasons people choose to bike — to avoid the costs and hassles associated with car ownership such as gas, maintenance, traffic and parking; some ride for health and wellness benefits included decreased stress, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, and increased muscle strength and endurance; as well as those who choose to bike because it’s one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around.
She has also heard from riders who have lost weight, reduced the number of cars in their households and even discovered new businesses because of riding Biki.
“Bikeshare serves as an important last-mile connection and we have users residing on all corners of the island who drive or take the bus into Honolulu’s urban core and then use bikeshare to get from place to place,” said Colpitts. “Since Biki’s launch in 2017, the city has implemented several new bikeway projects to improve the safety and connectivity of our community, and we’re finding that every year our bike paths accommodate more and more cyclists.
“The micro-mobility movement is growing here in Honolulu, and we encourage more residents to get out of their cars and celebrate Bike Month!” added Colpitts.
Nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii oversees Biki, a 24/7 public bikesharing service with more than 1,000 bikes and 130 biki stops from Iwilei to Kaimuki. The popular Commuter Plan offers unlimited rides for $15 per month. Colpitts said they are looking at expanding service areas to Kalihi and Kahala, as well as introducing other vehicles such as electric bikes.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.