Deaths put bike tours in Hawaii park on hold

The National Park Service on Wednesday announced the suspension of commercial bicycle tours within Haleakala National Park, one of the most popular tourist activities on Maui.

Park Superintendent Marilyn H. Parris said the “safety stand-down” was effective Oct. 10 for at least 60 days and was needed after last week’s fatal bicycle accident, the third in a year.

“With three fatalities and several serious accidents within a year, it is important to stop and critically analyze this commercial activity in the park,” she said.

The suspension affects seven companies that hold permits to operate within Haleakala. The permits, known as commercial-use authorizations, were terminated. Bicyclists are not banned from riding in the park on their own.

“I understand it’s their business. But it’s my business to make sure we are providing for the health and safety of visitors who come to the park. It’s a core mission of the National Park Service,” she said.

Parris said the park service needed to determine whether bicycle tours could safely operate in the park.

About 90,000 tourists a year pay $100 to $150 for the thrilling ride down the world’s largest dormant volcano. They are driven to Haleakala’s 10,000-foot summit. Without much pedaling, tourists take a downhill scenic ride for about 38 miles along a two-lane, bending highway.