An Update from the Port Adelaide Bicycle User Group.

1.         PortBUG Writes to the Premier:   In a letter to Premier Jay Weatherill. The PortBUG has appealed for him to ‘stand firm’ and resist pressure from the new Federal Government to shift focus from redevelopment of the ‘Torrens-to-Torrens’ section of the South Road redevelopment to the proposed Darlington Interchange and the Southern Expressway. The BUG believes that the major road and rail works that form part of the Torrens-to-Torrens project are essential to successful completion of the Outer Harbour Greenway.

The BUG has reminded the Premier that this City-to-Outer Harbour Greenway will provide a secure and continuous ‘high value’ and primarily utility bicycle route for the West and North Western suburbs. Less confident, less able and less ‘speedy’ bicycle users and family groups will be able to securely travel from the City Centre to Outer Harbour and all points between along the way.

2.        Outer Harbour Greenway Update:          The PortBUG recently sought an update on progress with the OuterHarbour Greenway from Gemma Kernich, Acting Manager of DPTI’s Walking & Cycling Division. Gemma has responded with the following news:

• ‘Cheltenham and Woodville (and Port) Road crossings should be operational ‘soon’, I hope by the end of October… David Terrace is under design, as is the Semaphore Road crossing upgrade [here Gemma refers to a bicycle crossing across Semaphore Road-East that will give access to the Northern-most sections of the Outer Harbour Greenway]’.
• ‘On the west side of Cheltenham Road the path will be formalised through the small park to get directly onto Buller Tce.’
• ‘[Construction of the new] St Clair Station is running behind original schedule which is delaying the St Clair side of the path connection (as the site is blocked by the new Station works).  My best estimate is December for this completion – the path works are being done by the private developer.  In the meantime you have to go around the Coles [car park]. ‘
• ‘David Terrace’s eastern side is a Charles Sturt matter (not DPTI land) – we are working through options for this. DPTI is doing the design work.’
• ‘Sharrows in Charles Sturt were supposed to go in last week… The signage for Charles Sturt is ready for installation too.’

Gemma also indicated that:

• There are some other miscellaneous Greenway works through Bowden (ramps and improvements to the existing paths)
• Plans to include the Greenway as part of any new rail works and future Bowden development continue as that development progresses.
• The ‘dog-leg’ detour around the old Bowden gasworks site will remain in the short-medium term.
• A section of the Port’s new ‘Bike and Hike’ path is now in place alongside Semaphore Road with another section installed (but not yet open) along the wharfs.

For ongoing Greenway updates see: http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/infrastructure_projects/greenways_project/greenways_project/outer_harbor_greenway

Gemma also noted that the first major community ride along the Outer Harbor Greenway is actually scheduled on the 24the November as part of BicycleSA’s ‘Gear Up Girl’ ride. This is a women-only event that female readers may want to consider – more information here: http://www.bikesa.asn.au/RideGuides_OnRoad_Gear_Up_Girl_Ride_Information

In separate liaison with Gemma the BUG has noted potential problems with the location of signage on the road median at the new Greenway bike crossing at Woodville Road. Member Dave Case notes that “as part of the alterations on the northern side of the rail line on Woodville Road a tall sign has been placed in the median strip. If proceeding west-to-east, visibility is significantly impaired for the cyclist. [If stopped] in this narrow gap to gain refuge, the sign makes it hazardous as visibility of vehicles approaching from the north is significantly reduced.” On behalf of the BUG, Dave has asked that DPTI “investigate this impediment and arrange for removal or rectification.”

3.        Old Port Road Bicycle Facilities?  Readers will be aware of major road and drainage works being undertaken along Old Port Road. Both the PortBUG and other local bicycle users have raised questions about prospects for ‘making space’ for bicycle use and installing bike lanes along this busy section of roadway. A local bicycle user from Semaphore writes: “Took a photo today. This is really annoying – look at the original white line which was the edge of the road. The raised section [Ed; the new kerb] is actually inside the old line and makes the road narrower. [Given] that cars will tend to keep a well away from this the net result may be cars moving up to 0.5 – 1 metre closer to cyclists!”

A BUG member also notes that it appears “rather short sighted to install the kerbing in that location rather than taking the opportunity to widen the road surface to provide for parking as well as a full-time bicycle lane as is present in other parts of Port Road. “ The BUG has asked DPTI what road markings are intended for this stretch of road and what bicycle facilities will be included. We’ll keep readers informed of outcomes.

4.        Shared-Use Pathway Bollards at Alberton:   BUG member Dave Case has been undertaking research related to utility cycling as part of his Masters studies. Recently he interviewed a cyclist who raised a safety concern re the dangerous placement of poles on the pathway adjoining the railway line at Alberton.

The pathway in question runs between the end of Coburg Road and then beyond Alberton Railway Station to Fussell Place. The poles are positioned in the gap at the end of Claire Street, Alberton, an area that is the responsibility of Port Adelaide Enfield Council.

Dave notes that “the placement of these poles and particularly their camouflaged colour presents a real and particularly nasty impediment to cyclists and perhaps even pedestrians. The position of these poles presents not only a danger to cyclists but would also likely prevent safe access by people using wheelchairs, mobility devices and child carriages (prams etc).”  On behalf of the BUG, Dave has requested a PA/E Council inspection and evaluation of the bollards with a view to their removal asap.

5.        PedBikeTrans Newsletter:    The PedBikeTrans bulletin is an e-newsletter available free at http://www.hubtt.com.au/enews.htm.

PedBikeTrans is an abbreviation for ‘Pedestrian and Bicycle Institute of Australasia,’ a networking and educational association for professionals involved in pedestrian and bicycle planning in Australasia. Non-professional PortBUG members have also found it an interesting and informative ‘read’ and a great way to stay in touch with what is happening in ‘active transport’ in S.A.

6.        Semaphore Road Update from PA/E Council:            The PortBUG has been liaising with Kerry McConnell, Team Leader, Transport Technical Services at PA/E Council.  Following a series of questions and suggestions regarding recent works on Semaphore Road, Kerry writes:

‘In 2004 Semaphore Road was identified as requiring a streetscape upgrade and extensive consultation and planning was undertaken at that time.  The final report of the review was completed and has been on Council’s website for a period of several years.  The concept plan of the streetscape between Military Road to Causeway Road is also on Council’s website.

As you would be aware, the general aim of the streetscape design (Military to Causeway) was to provide wider footpaths, provide an “off road” bike path and an “on road” bike lane whilst maintaining or improving the safety and number of car parking spaces, improving landscaping and street furniture and with public art pieces also included in the design.

The final stage of the works was the reconstruction of the intersection of Semaphore Rd and Military Rd.  The reconstruction was necessary to provide a transition between the new streetscape (east of Military Road) to the existing streetscape (west of Military Road).

Military Road including the traffic signals at Semaphore Road are under the control of Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure (DPTI) hence the design complied with its requirements to accommodate future traffic volumes at the intersection.  When construction is complete Council will be monitoring the performance of the signals and will seek adjustments (phasing etc) where required / possible.

The layout design of the intersection is generally in accordance with the original streetscape plan east of Military Road.  DPTI required some minor changes to the length of the protuberances to ensure traffic safety was improved at the intersection.  Once approved by DPTI, the final detailed plan was posted on Council’s website.

Residents, Property Owners and Traders that face Semaphore Road between Jagoe Street and Customs Lane (over 130 notifications) were notified of the intersection works in early April and work commenced early May. The Semaphore Main Street Association was also notified.”

Subsequent to completion of these works the BUG had suggested use of green asphalt surfacing to highlight key sections of bike path where it diverges into the on-road lane and off-road paths on the northern side of Semaphore Road. Kerry notes that as “this would be considered to be a non-standard use of such a treatment, Council does not propose to implement green bikes lanes at this location.”