By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

For the first time in several years, more Hawai'i motorcycle and moped riders are strapping on their helmets. Bicyclists, though, are wearing helmets less, even though a new state law makes them mandatory for cyclists 16 and under.

The surprising results are contained in a survey by the University of Hawai'i released last week. They show that helmet use among motorcycle riders rose to about 42.3 percent this year, a substantial increase over previous years. Helmet use by moped riders remains relatively low (about 10 percent) but is increasing slowly. Bicycle riders showed a big drop in use: Only 20.3 percent of those observed across the state were using helmets.

The survey, "Highway Safety Usage Studies" has been conducted by the university's Department of Urban and Regional Planning for more than a decade. In addition to helmets, it measures how well Hawai'i residents are complying with local laws on using seat belts, child restraints and riding in pickup truck beds.

For the most recent study, teams of two researchers each were sent to 136 observation sites across the state. The teams spent about 40 minutes during daylight hours at each site, recording helmet use. One person watched the street while the other entered the data in a hand-held computer, which replaced the paper survey forms used in previous years. The data was then analyzed at the university and reported back to the Department of Transportation, which pays for the survey.

State law does not require motorcycle or moped riders to use helmets, but state officials have said repeatedly that a helmet could be the single biggest factor in saving the life of someone involved in a crash.

It seems that Hawai'i's motorized two-wheelers are finally getting the message.

"The overall helmet use rate for motorcyclists in 2002 was 42.3 percent, increasing from the 36.5 percent observed in 2001," the report said. "Amongst moped riders, helmet use rates rose from 8.4 percent in 2001 to 10.1 percent in 2002."

Helmet use by bicycle riders decreased, even though a state law passed last year requires a helmet for bicycle riders younger than 16. Parents of youths in violation of the law can face a maximum fine of $25.

The survey found that helmet use among observed bicyclists decreased from 25.4 percent last year to 20.3 percent this year. Just four years ago, nearly 36 percent of observed bicycle riders were wearing helmets.

The decrease was most dramatic on O'ahu, where only 14.7 percent of riders were using a helmet, but helmet use topped 66 percent on Maui.

Officials say it's clear that more research is needed to find out why bicyclists are abandoning their helmets, especially in urban Honolulu, where car-bicycle collisions are most likely to occur.

"In order for the helmet law to work effectively, enforcement and public education need to occur," the report concludes. "Programs of public education and public information should be developed in order to increase helmet use — especially among moped riders."

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.

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