Bike Advocacy on Maui

The 2022 legislative season is in session. As a socially-responsible local business, RideSmart Maui advocates for the implementation of laws and policies that make our community safer, more accessible and more connected. There are 3 important bills that have been introduced that we are actively tracking and supporting. Learn more about these bills and consider submitting testimony in support of a bike and pedestrian-friendly island. 

SB3158 – Establishes the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program and special fund to encourage the purchase and use of electric bicycles and electric mopeds. Allocates a portion of the barrel tax for the rebate program. 

This bill would provide a rebate for the eligible purchase of electric bicycles. If passed, this would increase the affordability of electric bicycles as a sustainable form of transportation. Many electric cars are already eligible for such credits, but we want to include more forms of cost-effective and zero-emission transportation options to further reduce our carbon footprint. 

Submit Testimony on SB3158

SB3274 – Requires the Department of Transportation to increase funding, pursue grants, and work on projects focusing on safe, low-user- cost pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The purpose of this Act is to help reduce the cost of transportation for residents and ensure that the department of transportation achieves its statutory mandate of providing safe networks of cost-efficient pedestrian and bicycle commuting infrastructure by:     

1. Establishing expenditure requirements for funding pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and projects; and
   
2. Providing dedicated staff within the department of transportation to focus on pursuing and maximizing grant applications through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other opportunities.

Submit Testimony on SB3274

SB2096 – Lowers the threshold blood alcohol content for the offense of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant.  According to the National Transportation Safety Board, lowering the rate to 0.05 on a national level would save approximately five hundred to eight hundred lives annually.​

Submit Testimony on SB2096

Written testimony submitted by the 24-hour deadline will be posted online prior to the convening of the public hearing. 

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Learn more about RideSmart's community initiatives and our commitment to social responsibility here.
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