“Jaywalking”
In 2021, of the 81 fatal and critical motor vehicle collisions, more than a quarter – 24 were pedestrian related. 18 of these pedestrians did not use a crosswalk to cross a street.
Some facts about Jaywalking:
- Jaywalking is crossing a street outside of the crosswalk or away from the street corner
- Jaywalking is against a law and punishable by fines in the State of Hawaii
- Some people still believe that crossing using a marked crosswalk is inconvenient
- Jaywalking is Dangerous and Deadly.
§291C-72 Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks.
No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-73 Crossing at other than crosswalks.
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
Penalty: Fines ranging from $130 to $180.
External Resources
Click on the Brochures below for viewing or a downloadable PDF
https://www.nhtsa.gov/pedestrian-safety/how-pedestrians-can-walk-safely
Bicycle Laws
Since July 10, 2012 the new Vulnerable Users Law is in effect. This law doubles penalties for motorists who kill or seriously injure vulnerable users (cyclists, pedestrians, police officers, road workers, etc.) acting legally. View the full Vulnerable Users law here.
§291C-142 Traffic Laws Apply to Bicyclists.
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.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-144 Clinging to Vehicles.
When riding a bicycle, do not attach it or yourself to another vehicle.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-145 Riding on Roadways and Bikeways.
When traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic, bicyclists are to ride as close to the right hand curb or on the shoulder of the roadway, as practical.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-147 Lights and Other Equipment on Bicycles.
Any bicycle used from thirty (30) minutes after sunset until thirty (30) minutes before sunrise must have a head light, facing forward. Bicycles must be equipped with brakes capable of bringing the bicycle to a complete stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
§291C-150 Bicycle Helmets.
No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall operate a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or any other public property unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
Click here for the full description of the Hawaii law
External Resources
Bicycle Safety
- Wear clothes that make you more visible.
- Be cautious when riding a bike at night. Make sure you have the proper lights on your bicycle. Wear reflective materials or clothing.
- Wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce injuries by up to 80%.
- Loose items should be secured to a properly installed carrier or carried in a backpack.
- Protect against bike theft. Most bikes stolen are not locked.
- Obey traffic signs, signals and road markings.
- Be familiar with the laws pertaining to bicycles.
External Resources
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
The Honolulu Police Department reminds the community to ride e-bikes and other electric mobility devices safely, responsibly and legally. The rise in popularity of these devices, including e-bikes and high-speed electric devices, has brought new challenges to traffic safety in our community. While these devices offer convenience and sustainability, they also come with risks, especially when operated by individuals who are improperly licensed, untrained, or riding in a reckless manner.
Our traffic enforcement unit has observed an increase in unsafe riding behaviors, including excessive speeds, disregard for traffic laws, and the operation of out-of-class high-powered/ high-speed electric devices that do not meet safety regulations. These actions have directly contributed to a rise in collisions, serious injuries, and near-miss incidents with pedestrians and other road users.
The biggest misconception is classifying high speed electric devices as e-bikes. E-bikes, or low speed electric bicycles are actual bicycles with both pedals and electric motors. In the e-bike presentation below, we define the three classes of e-bikes and how you can differentiate between the devices.
We also address the high-speed electric devices that are essentially electric versions of motorcycles and dirt bikes. Parents and guardians are advised that these vehicles can reach speeds in excess of 45 mph and are subject to the same regulations as motorcycles, including motor vehicle insurance, type 2 driver’s license, registration, and safety check.
Ambiguity regarding where these devices can be operated has led to inconsistent usage as well as an increase in collisions and near-misses between riders, pedestrians, and motor vehicles. We have included where e-bikes can be ridden in the presentation, along with other requirements and current laws.
A new law for the City and County of Honolulu requires that anyone under the age of 18, riding an e-bike must wear a helmet. It’s the law, but more importantly we know wearing a helmet can save lives. Don’t let your keiki get seriously injured or worse by riding anything (skateboard, bicycle, e-bike, foot scooter etc…) without wearing a helmet. Take time to teach them about traffic safety, and the importance of following the applicable traffic laws.
The Honolulu Police Department is avidly working with other government entities and fellow traffic safety partners, for viable solutions moving forward. We are confident that the current state laws will be revised during the current legislative session to help address these devices and safety for all users.
To recap, always follow traffic laws, wear proper safety gear, and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users. Remember, riding on sidewalks is prohibited in many areas, and reckless operation can result in citations, fines or worse… collisions. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe for everyone. Mahalo for your cooperation!
E-Bikes: Bridging the Gap Presentation (Click on the image below):
Hawaii Bicycling League e-bike video series (Click on the image below):
