“Faster Mum, faster, I want to see the Port’s new Integrated Transport Plan!”
Hi Folks, There’s just time for a few updates before we fire up the BBQs and fill the Eskys.
Anneka, PortBUG’s most recent ‘follower’.
1. Our ‘Followers’ – A Big Thankyou! First I’d like to welcome all those who have signed up to follow the PortBUG website blog and/or the BUG’s facebook group over 2018 and support the BUG’s work – Anneka (right) being our latest. We now have about 68 people following the BUGBlog and 81 following the BUG Forum. Each person who ‘follows’ the BUG strengthens our argument for better bike facilities! ‘Participatory Democracy’ or – if you are a child of the ’60s – People Power!
People Power!
Both the BUGBlog & our Forum are great ways to keep your ear to the ground re. the ongoing development of Port Adelaide/Enfield’s bicycle network. They also provide the BUG (and indeed the Council) with opportunities to seek feedback on new initiatives and plans. And of course the BUG Forum is a great place to ask questions about that new commuting route or how to best get from A to B within the PA/E Bike Network – or indeed anything else about using bikes and Active Transport! So Welcome & a Big Thankyou to all!
2. ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ Presentation: The Port Adelaide/Enfield Council is hosting a free Bike SA/MAC ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ cycling safety presentation.
When: Thursday, 10th January, 2019, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Port Adelaide Town Hall, Nile St, Port Adelaide.
Register here – it’s free!
Be Safe, Be Seen reveals the findings of SA cycling casualty research; providing local, detailed information on where and how crashes most commonly occur, and how best to avoid them.Every attendee will receive a safety gift pack containing: a saddle bag, backpack cover, slap bands, and free three month membership to Bike SA. Be Safe, Be Seen is highly relevant to all levels of cycling experience, including the most experienced cyclists and motorists. The presentation contains surprising and essential information for anyone using SA roads. The PortBUG recommends Be Safe, Be Seen for young folk who will be riding to school, uni or work in 2019!
3. Can You Help with Bike Parking at the TDU? Members of the PortBUG committee have put up their hands to staff a secure bike parking enclosure for those visiting the TDU First Stage finish and Street Party in The Port on January 15th. Unfortunately there’s only a few of us and we really need 3 or 4 more volunteers! If you’d like to contribute some of your time between about 11am and 6pm on the 15th – and maybe get to see the Stage Finish and party close up – please let our secretary Sam know asap: portadbug@gmail.com.
4. The Year Ahead: The coming year is shaping up to be an exciting one for utility bicycle use and Active Transport for residents of PA/E. We’ve already see the re-invention of 1.2km Hart Street, Semaphore as a unique bicycle and pedestrian-friendly ‘mixed traffic’ boulevard and gateway to both The Port & the Semaphore Foreshore, with:
- several new protected pedestrian crossings
- vastly improved lighting
- a physically separated bike lane on the southern side
- new bicycle ‘slip’ lanes at road junctions
- closer integration with the Harbor Loop & other off-road pathways.
New protected bike lanes & pedestrian crossings, Hart Street, Semaphore.
Over 2019 we hope to see some DPTI and our Council undertake several new and adventurous initiatives including:
- the completion of the final pathway stages of the Outer Harbour Greenway (between Chief and East Streets in Bowden) which should then make it the pre-eminent route for commuting between the North-Western suburbs and the City!
- the start of work on new bikeways in and around the proposed Port Dock Rail Station
- a start on work on the new PREXY (Port Expressway) Greenway and the PA/E sections of the Gawler Greenway (both will open up new secure routes to Salisbury, Mawson Lakes etc)
- a new bike/ped rail crossing on May Trc at Rosewater (opening up access to shopping facilities and services for residents of Rosewater).
Goodbye Zak…
In 2019 we’ll also see the appointment of a new Bicycle Officer at PA/E Council, replacing the ever-helpful Zak Valiff (who has moved on to the Town of Gawler). Having an identified Bicycle Officer on staff has been an important step for Council. It has assisted Council to sustain its focus on implementing its Bike Plan! The position has also provided a reliable point of contact for both the BUG and for the public when questions or complaints arise about the Bike Network or the Council’s plans!
The most import step forward in 2019 will probably be the commencement of the PA/E Council’s exciting new ‘Integrated Transport Plan’, which will replace the current Local Area Bike Plan (which will conclude in 2020). We’re assured that this ITP will have a major focus on both Active Transport and community consultation and will pave the way for Active Transport to become a ‘bottom-line outcome’ as The Port plans for its transport future!
The PortBUG wishes all our readers and supporters – and indeed all of PA/E’s residents – all the best for Christmas and the Coming Year!
Dedicated left-turn bike lane & pedestrian crossings, Hart/Carlisle Streets, Semaphore.
PortBUG: The Port Adelaide Bicycle User Group. 