Older Residents Want Safer, People-Friendly Transportation Options

By: State: Hawaii | Source: AARP.org

Nearly nine out of ten Honolulu residents age 50+ say they support transportation policies that ensure public roadways are designed not only for motor vehicles but for all users—including pedestrians, bicycle riders and those using public transportation. The findings are part of an AARP survey of Oahu residents age 50 and older revealing widespread public support for "Complete Streets" policies that are safer, offer more mobility choices, and enable seniors to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

People-friendly transportation policies like Complete Streets are significant in view of Hawaii's rapidly aging population. Over the next two decades the number of residents age 65 and older is projected to swell to about 327,000. For a state already identified as one of the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians over the age 65, there's a pressing need for plans to take into account the dangerous mix of people and cars on Hawaii's roads.

AARP Hawaii is part of a coalition of pedestrian and bicycling advocates pressing for safer, multi-modal transportation options. Known as One Voice for Livable Islands, the group is calling for the passage of SB 718—which would require state and county transportation departments to adopt a Complete Streets policy promoting greater safety and access for all modes of transportation, including walking.

"Oahu's proposed rail project is a great leap forward in establishing a more balanced transportation system for Honolulu residents," said AARP Hawaii Associate State Director Jackie Boland. "When combined with Complete Streets design, the investment in rail becomes even more valuable in terms of getting more people to transit stations safely. An effective Complete Streets policy would also extend the benefits of balanced transportation to rural communities and neighbor islands not served by rail. We're asking the community to support SB 718 as an intelligent first step in a transportation planning process that will account for the needs of all people."

The survey, "Getting From Here to There: The Opinions of Hawaii Residents 50+ on Complete Streets," is based on a random sample of 800 Oahu residents interviewed by telephone. Nearly half (46 percent) of those interviewed were retired. Other findings:

• Four in ten (40 percent) said heavy traffic is a big problem.
• A third of those surveyed (33 percent) said Oahu streets are in need of repair.
• Seven in ten residents (70 percent) say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their community as they get older.

To get involved as an advocate for Complete Streets in Hawaii contact AARP's Jackie Boland at jboland@aarp.org.

Other Resources

Read the Entire Survey