A new group has an important mission: to make Maui a safer place for adults, kids and seniors to bicycle and walk.

All are welcome to join the campaign with the Maui Bicycling League. This newly established Maui chapter of the nonprofit Hawaii Bicycling League will hold its first membership meeting on Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center at the Maalaea Harbor Shops.

The fact is, many people don’t feel safe riding on busy highways and narrow roadways.

“Bicycling is an activity that supports health, fitness and a healthier environment, and Maui has the perfect year-round climate for bicycling. But our island offers very few safe places for children or adults to ride,” said Saman Dias, one of the group’s organizers.

“We heard from many people who said that they would ride more often but feel they would be putting themselves in danger by riding on our roads.”

Dias reached out to the community and assembled a group of people from all backgrounds – serious cyclists, recreational riders, parents, triathletes and others – who began meeting last summer and discussing ideas.

Maui needs more well-planned roadways like Mokulele Highway, where a designated path for cyclists and pedestrians runs beyond the road shoulder surrounded by grass.

“Visit places like Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Vermont, even New York City, and you’ll find miles of bike paths where cyclists can ride safely,” said Anne Rillero, a member of the Maui Bicycling League.

“You see kids and people of all ages out there enjoying the paths. They are a plus for tourism, too. Maui needs paths like these to reduce traffic on our roads and to promote health and fitness.”

The first meeting’s agenda will include electing a Steering Committee and discussing the organization’s goals and plans. For information, visit www.hbl.org or contact Dias at saman@pedegomaui.com or (808) 633-8553, extension 100.