Kaua‘i police will be monitoring the bike path, to help ensure that residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience on the bike and pedestrian path.
Police officers and park rangers are being trained and certified as members of the county’s Bike Patrol, a program developed by the Kaua‘i Police Department to ensure that the bike path is a safe environment for all users.
The KPD is taking a pro-active approach regarding the prevention of violations on the path, according to Mary Daubert, county spokeswoman.
Police said that officers and park rangers have been distributing flyers to educate path users on safety issues as well as laws that pertain to the path.
“We’re asking path users to be respectful of others and to abide by the laws governing the county parks system,” Lt. Michael Contrades said in an e-mail.
The training includes instruction on the use of all- terrain vehicles including the department’s “Mule,” a compact off-road utility vehicle, as well as how to prepare the path so larger vehicles can access it during emergencies.
The park rangers and police officers will continue to patrol the bike path periodically but don’t have a set schedule. Police have been responding and will continue to respond to calls about criminal offenses and violations occurring on the bike path, Daubert said.
Though jurisdiction of the bike path falls under Parks and Recreation, Daubert said that department is appreciative of the support received from KPD, noting safety of the path users is paramount.
Two community groups, Friends of the Path and Path Ambassadors, have also been formed to help maintain the path.
A portion of phase II of the bike path was officially opened Feb. 15. The rest of phase II is expected to be open by fall. The other phases are being worked upon simultaneously. County officials say it will be a few years before the entire path is completed.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
