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NABSTMC™ Honolulu Chapter Programs

Oʻahu Ride Safe Initiative

 

Protecting Young Riders. Promoting Safer Communities.

Bicycles and e-bikes provide young people with recreation, independence and an increasingly popular way to travel throughout our communities. However, the growth in e-bike use has also brought a sharp increase in crashes and serious injuries, particularly among children and teenagers.

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The Problem

Many young riders are operating bicycles and e-bikes without properly fitted helmets, adequate safety instruction or a clear understanding of the rules governing where and how they may ride.

E-bikes can travel considerably faster than traditional bicycles. At those speeds, a momentary loss of control, collision with a vehicle, dangerous maneuver or improperly fitted helmet can have life-changing consequences.

On Oʻahu, e-bike-related injuries reported by Honolulu Emergency Medical Services increased from 110 in 2023 to 181 in 2025. Approximately one-third of the 2025 injuries involved riders under the age of 18, and more than half of those injured were not wearing helmets.

These incidents affect more than individual riders. They affect families, motorists, pedestrians, schools and entire neighborhoods.

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A Changing Safety Environment

Hawaiʻi strengthened its bicycle, e-bike and electric mobility laws in July 2026. The updated statewide law requires riders under age 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when operating bicycles, e-bikes and certain electric mobility devices.

The law also:

  • Prohibits unsafe riding, wheelies and other exhibition riding on public streets and rights-of-way.

  • Prohibits high-speed electric devices exceeding 750 watts or capable of traveling faster than 28 miles per hour from operating in public areas.

  • Requires riders under age 16 to have direct adult supervision when operating Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes.

  • Establishes clearer classifications and operating standards for e-bikes.

  • Requires manufacturers and sellers to provide accurate information about motor wattage, speed and e-bike classification.

Laws establish minimum standards. Education, access to safety equipment and responsible riding habits are what turn those standards into safer communities.

Our Response

The Oʻahu Ride Safe Initiative is a youth bicycle and e-bike safety program presented by the NABSTMC Honolulu Chapter.

Through this initiative, the chapter provides free bicycle and e-bike helmets to young riders and promotes practical safety education for students, parents and families.

Our goal is to help ensure that every young rider:

  • Has access to a properly fitted helmet.

  • Understands the importance of wearing a helmet on every ride.

  • Knows the basic rules governing bicycles and e-bikes.

  • Recognizes the dangers of speeding, stunt riding and distracted riding.

  • Understands how to safely share roads, sidewalks and bicycle facilities.

  • Returns home safely after every ride.

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What We Do

​Helmet Distribution

We donate bicycle and e-bike helmets to children and teenagers throughout the community, with particular attention to young riders who may not otherwise have access to proper protective equipment.

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Proper Helmet Fitting

A helmet provides its best protection only when it fits correctly. We promote proper sizing, positioning and chin-strap adjustment so that each donated helmet can be worn safely.

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Rider Safety Education

We share age-appropriate guidance concerning:

  • Helmet use

  • Traffic awareness

  • Safe speeds

  • Visibility

  • Night riding

  • Passenger restrictions

  • Distracted riding

  • Bicycle and e-bike laws

  • Respect for pedestrians and motorists

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Community Partnerships

We seek to work with schools, neighborhood organizations, public-safety agencies, businesses and other community partners to expand helmet access and safety awareness across Oʻahu.

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Our Mission

The mission of the Oʻahu Ride Safe Initiative is to reduce preventable bicycle and e-bike injuries by providing helmets, promoting responsible riding and educating Oʻahu’s young riders and their families.

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Our Vision

An Oʻahu where every young rider has the protective equipment, knowledge and judgment needed to ride safely.

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Help Protect Every Ride

Community organizations, schools, businesses and individuals can support the initiative by:

  • Sponsoring helmet purchases

  • Hosting a helmet distribution event

  • Providing safety materials

  • Volunteering at community events

  • Connecting the program with schools and youth organizations

  • Helping us reach families throughout Oʻahu

Protect the rider. Educate the community. Make every ride safer.

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Presented By

NABSTMC Honolulu Chapter
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Hawaii, Inc.
EIN: 26-0369731

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