HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Saturday, May 25, the Maui Bicycling League teamed up with over 400 other locations worldwide to host the annual Ride of Silence.
It’s a moment of reverence, part of Bike Month, where respects are paid to cyclists who’ve been hurt or lost their lives while riding.
The route? A 13-mile quiet ride along the Mokulele Bike Path, cruising from Kihei to Kahului and back. Some even extended the journey all the way to Makena Landing Beach Park, adding another 20.8 miles for a total roundtrip of 34 miles.
After the ride, bike advocacy was discussed and refreshments, plus snacks were made available by Robin Hagen in memory of her husband, Karl who lost his life back in 2014, after being hit by a driver who was under the influence while he was cycling on the Piilani Highway.
We’re seeing more and more accidents, and this year, we’re honoring five riders. A lot of these incidents happen because of drunk driving and speeding. It’s clear that Maui needs better streets, better rules, and stricter enforcement. We talk about plans, but not enough about making safer paths for cyclists.
Saman Dias, Chair of the Maui Bicycling League
Riders also recognized the lives lost to the Lahaina fire.
They said better paths for bikes and pedestrians can serve not only for everyday use but also as crucial escape routes during emergencies.
They added the Ride of Silence isn’t just a remembrance; it’s a call for action to make infrastructure safer in all kinds of situations.