Bike Commuting from HPP to Hilo

[missydog1]

yes, I was concerned about safety. I don't feel safe in my car on that road. That route, to me, is the diciest on the island.

I realize my post also showed some irritation with some cyclists, in certain situations.
You wrote:

quote:

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Just to be clear, rarely do cyclists take a lane of traffic, only when they must (as in the case when there is no shoulder, usually on streets with low speeds).

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I'm sure you believe what you wrote and that your husband practices good cycling. But I have had plenty of experience with cyclists moving into the lane. For example, in a 55 mph zone, forcing a line of cars to creep behind them (often two cyclists abreast) up a hill.

I see this more over on the west side, and the worst are the cyclists in training and wearing their special biking outfits. I've seen them not even look behind to see what's going on with the cars. Which I find pretty irritating.

As long as a road has a shoulder, I welcome bicyclists on the road.
If a state or county highway has stretches where the shoulder is inadequate, such as Hwy 19 with all the bridges that have no shoulder, then I think it's a danger to everyone for bicyclists to use it.

[Hotzcatz]

Is there any alternate path for bicycles to go on other than the Puna/Hilo highway? Does Railroad connect through with a path bicycles could follow? They should be able to have a nice direct path between Pahoa/Hilo with a side path to Keaau.

[Carey]

Railroad is a rough trail with muddy potholes, mosquitoes, dogs & you have to make sure to make the turn at the barking dog....
It is fun, in the dirt bike sense of mud up your nostrils, not a nice leisurely trail through the lowland forests....
I have heard that this is the way the major landowner wants it.... do not know if this is true, as they seem quite community minded...
But it is on their land, railroad easements have long ago expired, so it is up to them to grant or deny access, & I can see why someone would hesitate allow free rein access onto private property....

Added note, If you think they should allow access, are you willing to let everyone onto your land??? With no controls?? If you say you are, I know a few High Schoolers who would love to have free rein on your property....

[Carey]

I also wanted to state, in Hawaii bicyclists have ALL of the rights that any vehicle on the road has (Page 97 of the Hawaii Drivers Manual), so even if you do not like bicycles on the road, they do have a right to be there, and in passing a bicyclist, you are required to extend all rights that you would to any other vehicle...
"CHAPTER XIII
BICYCLES
MOTORISTS
As our roads and highways become more crowded, it is increasingly important to safely share the road with bicyclists. Bicycles are legally considered vehicles, and as such have all of the rights and responsibilities that other vehicles have."
http://www.state.hi.us/dot/highways/hwy-v/HIDrvMan.pdf
Also, even on roads with shoulders, there are problems here (as I encountered on 130) drivers do not respect basic safety, let alone bicycle safety.

[rusty h]

riding a bike to hilo from puna and back to me would be like riding a surf board on the fresh lava flow. why risk your life?

it would be a shame to lose your life over something that you know might not be safe. i would not like to be the first one to drive up on the accident site.

dont get me wrong i like to bike too, its just i want to live for a long time. 130 and 11 shortens the odds if you do a daily bike commute

right or not people need to respect the bigger vehicle, heavy flow of traffic, road conditions, and weather. not to mention unexperienced and drivers under the influeince. push through the legal system for bike paths.

i see some pretty sound advice regarding this subjet by puna web members who care for the safety of others.

to each his own good luck!