HONOLULU (AP) — The National Park Service has suspended commercial bicycle tours within Haleakala National Park after the third fatal bike accident there in a year.
The bike trips are one of the most popular tourist activities on Maui. About 90,000 tourists a year pay $100 to $150 for the thrilling ride down the world's largest dormant volcano. They are driven by a van to the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala. Without much pedaling, the tourists get on rented bicycles and take a downhill scenic ride for about 38 miles along a two-lane, bending highway.
The suspension order was to take effect Oct. 10 and would last at least 60 days while officials analyze the situation.
The suspension affects seven companies that hold permits to operate within Haleakala. The permits, known as commercial use authorizations, were terminated.
The order does not ban bicyclists from riding in the park on their own.
Park Superintendent Marilyn H. Parris said the Park Service needs to make a determination if bicycle tours can safely operate in the park.
"Administratively, I feel we've done all we could do," she said. "We required safety plans. We've put more regulations. We've been enforcing more and yet the severity and the number of accidents continue."
Roberta Blake of Amherst, Ohio, was killed in October when she lost control of her bicycle while on a tour and crossed the double yellow line into the path of an oncoming van.
Blake, 65, was on a tour with Maui Mountain Cruisers. The vehicle that struck her was owned by another tour company, Maui Downhill.
In March, a 44-year-old woman was killed when she went off the roadway, and in November, a man died after falling off his bicycle, the National Park Service said.
Two people were also seriously injured in May in separate incidents when they ran off the road and crashed into rocks. One was an experienced downhill bike tour guide.
Haleakala Chief Ranger Mark Tanaka Sanders said the last three accidents occurred during good conditions.
Ben Hall, owner of Haleakala Bike Co., expects a boost in business from the suspension. His company is just one of two bike tour operators with a permit to operate vehicle tours in Haleakala. He will continue operating guided tours inside a van and allow patrons to bike downhill near the park entrance, at about the 6,800-foot elevation.
The Park Service said operators will have 30 days to respond and provide information before it makes a final determination on the future of bike tours within the park. Parris would not rule out a permanent ban.
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