What Is the Hawai‘i Bicycling League (HBL) and What Does It Do?
The Hawai‘i Bicycling League (HBL) is a Hawai‘i-based bicycling advocacy organization. Its stated mission is to support safe streets and a healthier island and to build a movement that improves community health and wellness "one pedal stroke at a time." If you ride a bicycle in Hawai‘i, want safer streets, or are looking for a way to support bicycling advocacy and education, HBL presents itself as a community to join. The organization works across three broad areas — advocacy, education, and events/fundraising — and offers several ways to get involved: joining, volunteering, donating, and participating in rides.
What HBL Does
Based on the organization's own site, HBL's work falls into these areas:
- Advocacy — Supporting safe streets and bike-friendly policy. HBL describes its aim as transforming the community "from car-centric to bike-friendly" and says donations fund a stronger HBL team, more outreach, and more projects.
- Education — HBL publishes explainers on cycling-related laws and resources. One current example is its breakdown of HB2021 / Act 259, which changes restrictions for e-bike users, defines "High-Speed Electric Devices," bans mopeds from using bike facilities, and requires helmets for those under 18 on certain devices. HBL offers key takeaways and points on the law, plus e-bike resources and a workshop finder.
- Events and fundraising — HBL runs cycling events, most prominently the Honolulu Century Ride, which it describes as Hawai‘i's largest cycling event and its largest fundraiser. Proceeds support advocacy and education efforts across the state.
The Honolulu Century Ride
The 2026 Honolulu Century Ride is scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, gathering at Kapi‘olani Park. Key details from HBL:
- It is a ride, not a race, and welcomes all skill levels.
- Route options: 25, 50, 75, or the full 100 miles.
- The route includes a car-free Kaiwi Coast, the backroads of Waimānalo, and the windward coast.
- A Bike and Bus add-on lets riders bike one way and take a bus back to the park.
- HBL is seeking volunteers, especially on ride day (Sunday 9/27).
Registration and more information are available through the event pages on hbl.org.
How to Get Involved
HBL lists several participation paths on its homepage:
| Path | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Join | Become part of the bicycling community/movement |
| Get involved | Add your voice, share ideas, contribute to projects, or offer encouragement |
| Donate | Fund HBL's team, outreach, and projects |
| Volunteer | Help at events such as the Honolulu Century Ride |
| Ride | Register for events like the Honolulu Century Ride |
Staying Informed
HBL maintains a newsfeed and a monthly newsletter, Spoke'n'Word, covering events, volunteer needs, and organizational updates. The site also links to e-bike education resources and workshops. For current details on any program, event, or law summary, check the relevant page on hbl.org, since schedules and registration information can change.