Kona Bicycle Day Jan. 24 Closes Ali‘i Drive for Car-Free Family Rides

Ali‘i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona will close from Likana Lane to Hualālai Road for Kona Bicycle Day, giving keiki and families a safe, car-free corridor for riding and safety education. The event runs 8 a.m.–noon on Jan. 24 and is organized by People for Active Transportation Hawai‘i (PATH).

Organizers set up a bike-safety course and on-street instruction to build confidence for young riders and their caregivers. Kona Community Policing bicycle patrol officers and HI‑PAL staff will be on hand to teach safety skills, while Bikeworks Kona will offer on-the-spot bike checks to identify mechanical issues. HIBIKE bikeshare units will be available for riders aged 16 and older, and PATH will supply learning bicycles for very young children. PATH urged participants to bring helmets.

A car-free stretch along Ali‘i Drive creates a low-barrier environment for physical activity and safety practice. For families, that matters immediately: parents can supervise keiki without navigating vehicle traffic, and children can learn basic handling and road-awareness skills in a controlled setting. From a public health standpoint, events like Kona Bicycle Day promote active transportation, which can reduce chronic disease risk factors such as physical inactivity and social isolation while normalizing walking and biking as everyday mobility options.

Kona Bicycle Day also highlights equity considerations in active-transportation planning. Providing learning bicycles for the youngest riders lowers cost barriers and connects families with safety education. At the same time, the HIBIKE age restriction of 16 and up points to a gap in access for some teens and younger riders who may rely on shared bikes in other communities. Community policing officers participating in the event aim to build trust and model safe enforcement, but long-term benefit will depend on sustained investments in protected bike lanes, helmet distribution programs, and affordable bikeshare options that serve all ages and incomes.

Local businesses and residents should anticipate increased foot and bike traffic during the morning hours, and parents may find the event a convenient way to evaluate gear or get maintenance help from Bikeworks Kona. Volunteers helped stage the program, and PATH provided a contact email for those interested in helping or getting more information.

Kona Bicycle Day offers a tangible example of how short-term street closures can make public space safer and more inclusive. For readers, the event is a chance to let keiki experience riding without cars, connect with safety resources, and push for longer-term changes that make cycling a practical, equitable choice across Big Island County.