Interview with Travis Counsell“Making Hawaii a Place Where Everyone Can Enjoy a Cycling Life”

On Sunday, September 29th, the 41st edition of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) came to a close.

While chatting with many of the participating riders, the GR editorial team received this question from a few people: “What kind of organization is behind such an amazing ride event?”

With that in mind, we conducted an interview with Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the organizing body, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and an avid cyclist himself. We also received a message from him for all participants, so please read on!

GR Editorial Team (hereafter GR): Could you give us an overview of the event?

Travis Counsell (hereafter Travis, without honorifics): This event is the largest long-distance cycling event in Hawaii. It was first held in 1981 and has a 41-year history. The event is organized by us, the Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL), a nonprofit organization. Since 2003, we have set up registration in Japan and work with HM-A, the HCR Japan Office, to run the event. One of our main sponsors is JAL, which is why we have many riders participating from Japan.*1
*1: We will cover the deep connection between the Honolulu Century Ride and Japan in a separate article. Stay tuned!

GR: What is HBL’s mission?

Travis: Our motto is “Share the Road.” With the key themes of Health, Recreation, and Transport, we continue working to make Honolulu and Hawaii more friendly to cyclists and pedestrians.

On the day of the HCR event, efforts are made to allow riders to use as much of the roadway as possible.

For Residents and Tourists

GR: Are these activities aimed at local residents?

Travis: They are for both local residents and tourists. Honolulu is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. However, there are also many residents here, so we aim to create a road environment that allows both groups to move around comfortably. Especially in Honolulu, there are many retired seniors. We hope to create a positive cycling environment, even in busy tourist areas, so that they can continue going out by bike and stay healthy for longer.

GR: In that sense, we often hear enthusiastic comments from Japanese riders who participated in the event, saying, “The drivers in Honolulu (Hawaii) are all so considerate.”

Travis: That could be true. Through events and ongoing efforts, HBL continues to educate the public about safe cycling practices. For example, along with advocacy groups, we lobbied the government and helped establish a law in Hawaii: “When overtaking a bicycle, vehicles must maintain a distance of 3 feet (about 90 cm) from the bike.”*2 By ensuring public safety, more people use bicycles, which promotes health through physical activity and also reduces car pollution. It’s a positive cycle.
*2: This law has already been enacted in several other U.S. states, and Hawaii was a bit late to adopt it (according to Travis).

Vehicles maintaining a safe distance from cyclists is a common sight, not just during the event but in everyday life.

Honolulu, where you can enjoy biking

GR: It seems that the number of “biki” bike-sharing stations has increased compared to last year. What is HBL’s relationship with this program?

Travis: Biki is a system launched by a nonprofit organization called Bikeshare Hawaii. Its goal is to provide a healthy mode of transportation for both residents and tourists in Hawaii, which is similar to what HBL aims to do. Therefore, we are exploring ways to collaborate on activities. It’s a good thing that there are more options for cycling, whether it’s commuting by road bike, enjoying leisure time on a mountain bike, or sightseeing in the city with Biki.

GR: Do you use it as well?

Travis: Of course! If I need to travel a distance of 1 mile (about 1.6 km), it’s far more convenient than walking or taking an Uber. The system is also available in Japanese, so I often see Japanese tourists using it in areas like Kaka‘ako, which is famous for its wall art. Of course, locals use it too. At HBL, we have created and provide cycling tour routes, which can be downloaded from our site.
Link: Oahu Bike Map

In the traffic rules of Japan and the U.S., there are significant differences, such as the direction of travel being reversed. For this reason, we provide a Japanese safety guide regarding these matters.
Link: Visitor Safety Guide

*Regarding how the roads in Honolulu are friendly to cyclists:
Link: Honolulu Roads for Cyclists

GR: I didn’t know that! We need to promote it more. Speaking of promotions, are there other ride events in Honolulu besides HCR?

Travis: There are a few, such as the Haleiwa Metric Century Ride, which takes place in April on the North Shore. The participants are mostly locals, so it’s a very local event and not really aimed at tourists. However, everyone is welcome to join!
Link: Haleiwa Metric Century Ride

From the event photos of 2024. The cheerful mood of the HBL staff and Travis (on the right).
（C）Hawaii Bicycling League

Joy by Bicycle !

GR: I heard that you previously owned a bike shop and have been involved in volunteer activities related to transportation and road safety, and that you really love cycling. What brings you joy in your involvement with the organization of this event?

Travis: My first involvement with HCR was through a job with JAL Pack, where I was responsible for tour maintenance. There were many challenges, but it was a very meaningful experience. It makes me happy to see so many riders enjoying themselves and having a great time on their bikes. That hasn’t changed even now that I’m on the nonprofit organization and event management side. As someone who loves cycling, I feel really lucky to be involved in this kind of work.

Riders relaxing in their own way at Kapiolani Park after crossing the finish line.

GR: In 2033, nine years from now, HCR will celebrate its 50th event. What are your aspirations for that milestone?

Travis: Absolutely! We aim to host an event with around 5,000 participants. Our goal is to create a ride event that allows the U.S., Hawaii, Japan, and the world to collaborate, enjoy Hawaii, and celebrate through cycling. To achieve this, we plan to create many short courses and organize various activities that can accommodate people of all skills and levels.

Travis watching over the start right after it begins.

GR: That sounds exciting! Finally, could you share a message for the riders from Japan participating in HCR 2024?

Travis: For the riders from Japan, I believe it has been a very challenging time and environment. Despite that, I sincerely appreciate your strong spirit in joining us for the first time or for another time! Let’s definitely meet again next year.

Text_Global Ride Editorial Team

🚲an article about the Honolulu Century Ride
https://globalride.jp/category/en/event-en/world-en/hcr-en/