Maui Bicycling League urges action on Vision Zero following well-attended Ride of Silence

The Maui Bicycling League hosted its annual Ride of Silence on Saturday, May 24, along the Maui Veterans Highway Bike Path, drawing 37 riders and a powerful show of support from Maui County officials and the Maui Police Department. Held in silence to honor those killed or injured while biking or walking on public roads, the event also served as a call to turn Maui’s Vision Zero Resolution into real, life-saving action.

Now observed in over 400 cities around the world, the Ride of Silence began in Dallas, Texas, in 2003 and was first introduced to Hawaiʻi by MBL in 2014 — the same year the League was founded following the death of Karl Hagen, a beloved cyclist killed in a hit-and-run crash in Wailea.

This year’s ride honored Karl and several others killed on Maui’s roads, including Volker Weiss, Agustin Dela Cruz, Henry Ritmeester, and Andrew Janssen. The late Volker Weiss’s daughter, Marina Riker, gave moving remarks during the opening ceremony.

Maui County was represented by:

• Victoria Takayesu, Director of the Department of the Corporation Counsel
• Officers from the Maui Police Department’s Traffic Section and Vehicle Homicide Unit
• Jared Sam Agtunong, on behalf of Councilmember Tom Cook
• Ignacio Filippini, representing the Maui Department of Transportation

In preparation for the event, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) stepped up to clean and prepare the Veterans Highway Bike Path — ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for all riders.

Victoria J. Takayesu, Director of the Department of the Corporation Counsel, spoke on behalf of the County saying: “The County has several planned projects that include bike paths and continues to consider others as well. I encourage all cyclists to stay sharp, ride defensively and embrace every mile!”

Lee Chamberlain, Advocacy Chair for Maui Bicycling League, emphasized the need for next steps saying: “We’ve made great progress with the adoption of Maui’s Vision Zero Resolution, but now it’s time to act. We urge the County to move from planning to implementation — ensuring every new project puts safety first, and that the goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2040 is more than just a resolution. It must become reality.”

“The turnout and support we received — especially from Maui County and MPD — was deeply encouraging,” said Saman Dias, Chair of Maui Bicycling League. “But now, we need to turn that support into action.”

MBL and fellow advocates are calling on Maui County to fully implement the 2021 Vision Zero Resolution, which was unanimously passed with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2040. The resolution outlines a framework for improving road safety through design, enforcement, education, and cross-agency collaboration.  

The Maui Bicycling League continues to lead monthly community rides, youth bike education, and public advocacy to make Maui’s streets safer and more inclusive for all road users.

“Vision Zero is not just a cyclist’s goal — it’s a community goal. Every resident deserves to move around Maui safely, whether they are walking, biking, or driving,” organization leaders said.

MBL invites residents, businesses, and community leaders to join MLB’s efforts and stand behind the push for Vision Zero. “Together, we can ensure that no more lives are lost on our roads,” organizers said.