Zach’s Ride for safe streets highlights need for road safety

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Rain or shine Zachary Manago bikers would ride, all in the name of safety on the streets.

Zachary Manago’s Ride in Paradise for Safe Streets is a short ride from Kakaako Makai Gateway Park to the Hawaii State Capitol, followed by a sign waving and some short remarks from city and state officials.

Speakers include Nicholas Manago, Zach’s brother, George Abcede of HDOT, Major Tanaka of HPD, Mike Formby on behalf of the Mayor, and Marina Starleaf Riker, daughter of Volker Weiss.

The ride honors Zachary Manago, an enthusiastic cyclist who was killed at age 18 in

December 2010 when he was struck from behind by a drunk driver as he rode a bicycle with a large group of friends on Kamehameha Highway.

“It’s so nice, because we all have the same passion and I know they all think about Zach and what he wanted so it’s always just a special special day when we have Zach’s ride,” said Daphne Manago, Zachary Manago’s mother.

“He had a vision that the roadways would be safer for cyclists, but it has transformed to pedestrians and all users of the road so it’s awesome to have a lot of supporters here today,” Nicholas Manago, Zachary Manago’s brother.

While participation was free, riders were asked to register for the event that included a picnic lunch as well.

Participants gathered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and took to the streets at 10:30 a.m.

Last year, Hawaii saw a record number of people killed while riding bicycles and continues to see alarmingly high fatalities among vulnerable users, despite laws and policies around Complete Streets and Vision Zero.

“So far year to date for 2024 we’ve had 12 fatal accidents and of those 12, four involved bicyclists and we’ve also had 23 critical accidents year to date and two were bicyclists,” said Maj. Stanson Tanaka, Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division.

“We’ve seen changes over the years, don’t get me wrong, we’ve seen new bikes lanes in Kakaako and downtown, but we just highlight the need that we’re still seeing unfortunate record numbers of people being hit on the roadways and that needs to change,” said Travis Counsell, Hawaii Bicycling League Executive Director.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Manago family said, they’re proud of the improvements made so far and hopes Zach’s legacy carries on with additional safety measures implemented.

“Just when I see new bike lanes coming up in communities, it makes me feel good. I know he would be so excited and appreciative of everything,” said Daphne.

More info can be found on the Hawaii Bicycling League’s website.