Over the last 3 months, your PortBUG coordination group has been actively liaising with Council staff on important developments to be considered by Council in September. Discussions have included:

• nominated Council bicycle-related funding projects, 2021-22
• initial feedback on a draft of the Council’s new Walking & Cycling Plan (WCP)
• responding to a proposal from Semaphore Road traders to permanently close the Mainstreet Bike Paths (including attending an informal meeting with the Mayor & snr staff)!
• provision of input to proposals for further development of a ‘Rosewater Loop’ Bike Path
• provision of specific advice regarding a Port CBD Active Transport Network.

We have also had an opportunity to discuss with staff the Council’s new Integrated Transport Plan (ITP). Readers may recall an online public consultation process Council held in 2020 for nomination of problems encountered across the PA/E Council’s transport system – we are pleased to report that the majority of issues reported concerned specific issues encountered by bicycle users, now incorporated into the ITP. Congratulations to everyone who responded!

We understand that at their September meeting, Council will consider both the draft Integrated Transport Plan & the Walking & Cycling Plan as well as a report prepared by staff on the proposed Semaphore Road Bike Path closure. We understand that both the ITP & W&CP will then proceed to public consultation! We’ll keep you informed on all developments.

Other News:

• The ‘grapevine’ suggests that State Government bike funding for Councils seems to have improved markedly for 2021-22. Hopefully this means that the new PA/E W&CPlan will get off to a good start! We’ll report further details as they become available.
• PortBUG has recently called for interest from members living (and cycling) beyond the immediate Port Adelaide area to act as ‘Field Agents’ to assist in representing cycling issues. Several members have expressed interest for the suburbs of Oakden, Ottoway, Largs North, Valley View & Sefton Park. If you are interested in acting in this role in your local area (to monitor & report on local bike-related issues) please let us know! We are particularly interested in hearing from our female members!