Bikeshare program launched in Kailua-Kona

KAILUA-KONA — Need a ride? People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii has spearheaded a bikeshare program in Kona that might be able to help.

Tina Clothier, executive director of PATH, along with Mayor Billy Kenoi and the Mayor’s Active Living Advisory Council, will officially launch Bikeshare Kona Hawaii Island (BKHI) Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. with the blessing of a bike station at the Hale Halawai Pavilion.

The program, which will initially be comprised of three stations and 32, three-speed bikes, has also set up locations in front of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel and next to Huggo’s on Kahakai Road. But Clothier said she is hopeful BKHI will expand in the next 18 months to as many as 100 bikes at between 10 and 15 stations across the island, including locations in Hilo, Waimea and Pahoa.

“Over time, as we start to develop these bikeshare networks and put more stations down, it will be an alternative mode of transportation to the motor vehicle for our residents and our visitors,” Clothier said. “And it will help to build healthier communities and reduce our carbon footprint.”

She added that because of the small size of both the system and the locale, visitors will be the key market in the program’s early stages until a more thorough network is created for residents.

Blake Bosh, who is visiting Kailua-Kona from Oregon, said for a reasonable price, he’d be interested in making use of a bikeshare program. He believes other tourists would be as well.

“Tourists will definitely be interested,” Bosh said. “It’s quicker than walking, and a lot of people don’t enjoy walking in general, especially when it’s hot and humid. It will give you more of a breeze.”

Kiosks, which will accept payment via credit and debit cards and will run on solar power, are set to charge riders $3.50 per half hour. A pay structure geared toward residents will offer unlimited 60-minute rides for a $25 monthly fee. Hours of operation will essentially be sunrise to sunset.

The program was modeled after Bikeshare Hawaii on Oahu, utilizing the same equipment and bikes to provide continuity and easy assimilation when Bikeshare Hawaii eventually expands statewide. Based on a study commissioned by Bikeshare Hawaii, PATH expects BKHI to generate about 2,700 rides in the first six months.

Clothier said so far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While the stations were being erected, upwards of 20 passersby stopped to inquire, all but one offering support for the program.

But as with any initiative, some skepticism has been floated. Oliver Kiel, owner of the Cycle Station in Hale Kui Plaza for the last 11 years, expressed some doubts.

“I am generally for (bikeshare programs) because more bikes means fewer cars and less pollution,” he said. “But it comes with a little bit of a cloud over it because a lot of money will be spent, and if it doesn’t work, the money could have been spent in a more practical way for something else.”

BKHI got off the ground after the county appropriated $250,000 from the Bikeway Fund, which generates money from bike and moped registrations.

Kiel also said that as the owner of a bike shop, he would have appreciated an opportunity to offer his point of view before the county green lit the project.

“I doubt that someone who is a local person would drive downtown, park somewhere either for a fee or for free, and then rent the bike and go for a bike ride,” he said. “That’s just something I can’t really believe.”

Clothier said she doesn’t see the bikeshare as creating much competition for local bike shops, as places like the Cycle Station tend to rent out bikes for longer treks, while BKHI’s 50-pound bikes are designed for trips of a short duration.

As to local interest, Clothier is optimistic.

“You can talk about a concept, but when somebody can actually see it in action, can touch it and feel it, then it takes on a whole new meaning,” she said.

And expansion of BKHI will not necessarily be dependent upon usage, particularly if the program hits its ride projections.

Clothier said 60 to 80 percent of organizational costs are covered by generated revenue. The rest of the gap will be contingent on local businesses or organizations interested in sponsoring a station.

Companies will also have the opportunity to advertise on bikes and stations alike.

BKHI will provide a small economic impact by creating two new, part-time employment opportunities. Clothier said as the program grows and demands more management, the number of jobs may rise, and their designation could become full-time instead of part-time.

PATH is also aware of potential safety issues, and to that end Tuesday’s launch is actually two-pronged. Along with BKHI, PATH and Kenoi will announce a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Campaign, which will reach across the island.

Ads promoting the safety campaign can already be seen on local buses, in movie theaters and across multiple traditional and social media outlets.