Police remind public about rules for bicycles, mopeds, skateboards and pedestrians 08-26-14

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Community Policing
Lieutenant Darren Horio
Phone: 961-2350

 

Media Release

Now that school and college are back in session, Hawaiʻi Island police remind the public to follow all traffic laws that apply to operators of bicycles, mopeds and skateboards and to watch for pedestrians.

Bicycles

  • Bicyclists must follow all traffic laws that apply to motorists when they travel on public roadways.
  • Bicyclists must ride single file, as far to the right of the road as possible and on bike paths where provided.
  • Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks or against the flow of traffic.
  • Motorists are advised to be aware of bicyclists sharing the road and to drive with caution, especially when passing a bicycle.

Mopeds

  • Moped operators are granted all the rights of operators of other motor vehicles.
  • If a moped is traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction, it shall ride as far right on the roadway as practicable.
  • Where provided, and not prohibited, mopeds drivers shall use bicycle lanes.
  • A moped rider when coming to an intersection will occupy the designated lane specific to its intended movement and will have the same rights as any other motor vehicle in that lane.
  • Eyewear is required when operating a moped.
  • A Hawaiʻi State driver’s license is required to operate a moped. No person under age 15 is permitted to operate a moped on a state highway or public property.
  • When several mopeds are traveling on the roadway together, they must ride in a single file.
  • No passengers are allowed on a moped, except on a three-wheeled moped designed to seat a passenger.
  • Motorists are advised to share the road with mopeds.

Skates/skateboards

  •  Skates and skateboards are prohibited on all roadways, except in crosswalks, where persons riding them have the same rights as pedestrians.
  • In the Downtown Hilo area, skates and skateboards are also prohibited on sidewalks.

Pedestrians

  • Vehicles must stop for pedestrians on the half of the roadway upon which the vehicles are traveling, and shall not proceed until the pedestrian has passed the vehicle and the driver can safely proceed.
  • No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Drivers are advised to share the road with bicycles and mopeds and to beware of persons on skates or skateboards who may pose a risk to themselves and others. Also, while driving in school zones, motorists should use caution and be attentive to children and college students walking to school and crossing streets in and out of crosswalks.


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