Track going 2-way for Bike to Work Day

The city plans to open the King Street bike track to cycling in both directions Friday, coinciding with national Bike to Work Day.

City crews have installed signs, painted bike symbols and arrows and added a center line to prepare for two-way traffic along the 2-mile track, stretching from Alapai Street to Isenberg Street.

Also, crews installed westbound bicycle traffic lights at 13 King Street intersections. The red, yellow and green bicycle-shaped signal lights facing the opposite direction from existing traffic lights — will let those pedaling against King Street’s vehicle traffic know when to stop.

Mel Nakahata, a manager at The Bike Shop’s King Street store, said he is pleased with Honolulu Hale’s efforts to establish the protected bike track. "Riding can be done every single day of the year," Nakahata said.

Promoted by The League of American Bicyclists, Bike to Work Day will be celebrated with stations serving coffee, juice and various snacks at Thomas Square fronting the King Street bike track, and at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in Aiea. In addition, free basic bike maintenance will be offered at The Bike Shop in Aiea.

The Hawaii Bicycling League’s Travis Counsell said he expects at least 200 cyclists to ride through the stations, which will be open 7 to 9 a.m.

Counsell said the King Street bicycle track, which opened as a one-way, dedicated lane in December, is an excellent addition to Oahu’s cycling options.

The city now plans to eliminate parking on King Street between Alapai Street and Ward Avenue during peak morning travel time, thereby opening up King Street for better access to the freeway and making it easier for Honolulu Police Department vehicles to leave Kealamakai Street from the main police station.

Also, after receiving complaints that parked cars made it difficult for motorists to see bicyclists in some areas, the city plans to eliminate 11 parking spaces along the track. Crews verified the visibility problem by conducting field assessments.

The organizers of Bike to Work Day estimate that more than half of Americans live less than 5 miles from where they work, and that a bike ride to the workplace can take less time than a drive. It can also lower stress levels and step up fitness.

"Cycling is healthy. It is a good form of transportation," said Nakahata, who commutes by bike to his King Street shop from Waipio Gentry.