Maui Bicycling League to host Ride of Silence event Saturday amid surge in traffic fatalities

As Maui faces a surge in traffic fatalities—more than six pedestrian deaths reported in 2025—the Maui Bicycling League is inviting residents to join the Annual Ride of Silence on Saturday, May 24, a solemn event honoring people injured or killed while walking or biking on public roadways.

The free, slow-paced ride will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Maui Veterans Highway Bike Path, with a 13.7-mile round trip from Kīhei to Kahului and back. Participants are asked to wear white, ride silently with heads bowed and wear helmets in a show of unity and remembrance.

“We ride for those we’ve lost and for those who still walk, ride and roll on our streets each day,” said Saman Dias, chair of the Maui Bicycling League. “This event is about visibility, remembrance and calling for change on Maui’s roads.”

The ride comes amid a statewide spike in traffic deaths. As of May 13, 53 people have died on Hawaiʻi’s roads in 2025—a 51% increase over the same time last year. Speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield remain leading causes. The dangers are amplified during graduation season, with more vehicles and pedestrians sharing the roads.

Held in over 400 cities worldwide, the Ride of Silence aims to raise awareness of vulnerable road users and promote driver responsibility. On Maui, riders will gather after the event to share stories and refreshments, provided by Robin Hagen in memory of her husband Karl Hagen, who was killed while cycling.

Similar rides will take place on Oʻahu (hosted by the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League) and on Hawaiʻi Island (hosted by PATH in Kona), reinforcing a growing statewide call for safer, more respectful roadways.

The Maui Bicycling League is urging all drivers to:

• Obey speed limits
• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists
• Avoid distractions and never drive impaired
• Give cyclists at least 4 feet of space when passing, as required by Hawaiʻi law

“Let’s come together, ride together, and commit to protecting one another,” Dias said. “Every life lost is a tragedy—and every safe ride is a victory for our community.”

For more information or to register for Maui’s Ride of Silence, click here.