Com plete Streets: A Turning Point for Hawaii Island ’ s Livable Future West Hawaii Forum – February 11, 20 16
About PATH • A community-based, 501(c)3 non-profit bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization. • Our mission is to safely connect the people and places on Hawaii Island with pathways and bikeways. • Founded in 1986 • Email list of over 3,500 • 358 Paid Members • Over 400 volunteers
About PATH Education & SRTS Advocate for walking Policy Events & Leadership Outreach and bicycling Planning & Design
Overview of Complete Streets • What are Complete Streets? • Who wants Complete Streets? • Why Complete Streets save lives • Benefits of Complete Streets • Achieving Complete Streets on the Big Island • Complete Streets Policy
What are Complete Streets? • Complete Streets are safe, comfortable, and convenient for travel for everyone, regardless of age or ability – motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders.
Complete Streets Policies • A complete streets policy ensures that the entire right of way is planned, designed, and operated to provide safe access for all users.
Who wants Complete Streets? 55% of Americans would rather drive less & walk more. Nearly one-third of Big Islanders don ’ t drive: • 21% of Americans over 65. • Children under 16. • Many people do not have access to automobiles.
Benefits: Older Adults • By 2025, nearly 1/5 of Americans will be 65 or older. • About ½ of all non-drivers over the age of 65 would like to get out more often. • Complete streets policies help create streets that support older drivers and pedestrians through better design. • Complete streets help older Americans stay active and involved in their communities. 8
Benefits: People with Disabilities • 20% of Americans have a disability that limits their daily activities. • Complete Streets feature curb cuts, high visibility crosswalks, and other designs for travelers with disabilities. • Complete Streets reduce isolation and dependence.
Benefits: Children • More than 1/3 of our nation ’ s children are overweight or obese. • Limited physical activity contributes to the obesity epidemic among children. • Streets that provide dedicated space for bicycling and walking help kids be physically active and gain independence. 10
Benefits: Lower Costs • Many Hawaii Island families spend more on transportation than food or clothes combined • At least 15% of residents work more than one job to make ends meet. • Complete Streets give people more control over their expenses, replacing expensive car travel with cheaper options like walking, riding bikes, and taking public transportation.
Benefits: Health • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently named adoption of Complete Streets policies as a recommended strategy to prevent obesity.
Streets Are Inadequate Inaccessible for wheelchair users…
Streets Are Inadequate No sidewalks National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, 2003
Lanes that are far too wide
Opportunistic Improvements Road Diet – Reconfiguring the same space Potential Solutions for Downtown Hilo on: • Waianuenue • Kinoole • Kilauea/Kawili
Complete Streets in Hawaii • Act 54 – Hawaii ’ s Complete Streets Law • The 11 th State to adopt a Complete Streets Policy • Signed into law May 5 th , 2009 • Hawaii County Adopted a CS Resolution in 2011
Complete Streets Implementation • Hawaii County – Hilo Downtown Mobility Plan – Complete Streets Plan underway – West Hawaii Pilot Project for CS Plan – CS during routine maintenance – CS on new road construction
Alii Drive Initiative
Routine Maintenance Shoulder Bike and Ped Ways Opportunity seized on Kawaihae Road in Waimea. Before After Potential Solution for: • Any resurfacing project that has right of way available. • Enhanced by “ shoulder preparation ” budget line item that can help pay for acquisition, grading, grubbing, or other preparations for paving. • Many other benefits to all modes.
Improving Existing Conditions Waikoloa Shoulder widening to 6 feet on both sides of road –began November and expected to be finished in mid January 2016
New Construction or Reconstruction Asymmetrical Design Sidewalk on one side, shoulder on the other after widening M ā m ā lahoa Hwy. through Waimea. Separated Shared Use Pathway on one side of the Ala Ohia, Parker Ranch Connector Road.
Bike Lanes
Separated Pathway Along Highways
Mahalo!
Thank You Tina Clothier Executive Director - PATH Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Email: tina@pathhawaii.org Phone: 808-326-PATH (7284)
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