EWA (KHON2) — This year, traffic safety is more important than ever as Hawaiʻi’s roads have reached record highs for traffic-related deaths.
Today at Ewa Elementary School, a free community event did its part in raising traffic safety awareness for all pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, scooter riders and anyone else on the roads are proven to be at risk after the 111 fatalities recorded this year.
The Ewa Bike Expo’s mission is to create a safer and more knowledgeable community with on-site traffic safety demonstrations, educational local organizations and guest speakers.
“It has become like a multi-generational community event…we are trying to teach kids about bicycles, basic traffic, rules and regulations and riding safe,” Cameron Daytona, event organizer, said. “We are being the example that we need to be for the kids.”
“This is about making sure our kids come home safe, making sure that their mom or dad come home safe, and that we follow the rules and the guidelines as best as we can,” Representative of District 41, David Elk, said. “We need to protect our families. That’s the message that we wanted. We want fun. We want to have education. We want to ride bikes.”
Local bike shops attended the event to show off the latest models and gear, while organizations like the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League had an on-site obstacle course to teach keiki and adults basic bicycle skills, so guests could leave with a new ride and be safe to drive.
Exploring the community and using the road shouldn’t be a risk. This event aims to save keikis’ lives by raising the road safety standard.
The event also featured local craft and food vendors, pigeon and chicken shows and games with prizes, making it fun for the whole family.