Bicyclists riding on road are considered as vehicles

Question: Are bicyclists riding in the King Street bike lane supposed to follow the same laws as pedestrians? Every afternoon during rush-hour traffic, bicyclists are entering the intersection even though the red-hand blinking symbol or countdown has appeared. This prevents cars on King Street from turning left mauka-bound onto Piikoi Street. As a result, only a few cars can get through the intersection during a green light. Are those bicyclists correct?

Answer: No to the first question and yes to the second. Bicyclists riding on roadways (which includes the bike lane) are not treated as pedestrians; they are treated as vehicles. So, yes, from your description it sounds like the bicyclists are following the law by proceeding as vehicular traffic through the green light (which consequently idles motorists in the next lane waiting to turn left). Likewise, bicyclists riding in the protected lane should stop for red lights on King Street, like cars do.

Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 291C, Section 142 spells out that “bicyclists using a roadway have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle, except as stated by special bicycle regulations and except for those provisions which by their nature cannot be applied to bicyclists.”

There are times when a bicyclist would be treated as a pedestrian, such as when a rider dismounts a bike to walk it across an intersection; in that case the bicyclist should abide the crosswalk sign.

“One way to think about it is when they are riding their bike, they are driving, like a car, and when they dismount their bike, they are walking, like a pedestrian,” and respective rules of the road apply, said Malia Harunaga, adult education and senior cycling manager for the Hawaii Bicycling League.

Your question described people riding, not pushing, their bikes.

The advocacy group is happy to share safety tips for everyone on the road. You can read more at hbl.org.

Among the programs that Harunaga leads are “senior rides” on recumbent tricycles that offer a comfortable, stable alternative to upright two-wheeled bikes. For more information, call 735-5756 or email malia@hbl.org.

Halloween safety

The Honolulu Police Department is reminding motorists and pedestrians to be extra careful today, as the excitement of Halloween brings scores of children out for trick-or-treating. Children should always use sidewalks, not the street, for walking. Their costumes should be visible to oncoming traffic. Light-colored outfits are best; the addition of reflective material, blinking lights or other beacons will ensure that kids don’t fade into the landscape after dark. Adults accompanying children should carry flashlights and ensure that trick-or-treaters look in all directions before crossing a street. Patience from motorists will go a long way to helping youngsters have a safe and happy Halloween. For more safety tips from HPD, see 808ne.ws/2eKZoea.

Mahalo

To Archie and Shaun of the Queen’s Medical Center, who came to my aid when I had a tire blowout. I am 85 years old and had knee-replacement surgery. I still have a problem bending down. Archie and Shaun saw my predicament and took over the task of replacing the spare tire. Mr. Tho of Freedom Tow Hawaii, who was called to assist me, also came by.

After seeing that the problem was well in hand, Mr. Tho left, refusing to be compensated for his time. To Mr. Tho, Archie and Shaun, thank you for being a special part of my life. Your kind gesture will be remembered forever. — With much gratitude, AYI

Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.