Hi BUG Folks,

Matt Hutson, Traffic & Transport Planner at PA/E Council has provided the following Cycling & Walking updates:

1. Mead St & Wills Street Roundabout Design: Council will shortly put out consultation for Black Spot funding proposals for the next financial year (2025/26) along the OH Greenway, including a new roundabout design for the Mead/Wills Street intersection (see below). This roundabout constitutes a key road intersection on the Northern section of the Outer Harbor Greenway. The proposal is to upgrade the existing ‘tangential’ roundabout to a ‘radial’, inspired by SA’s latest Active Travel Design Guide. It will include new patterned line marking on the approach to the roundabout in the shape of green hexagons or honeycombs. Sharrows will then be placed centrally to alert drivers of cyclists and to support cyclists to ‘claim the lane’ when entering the roundabout.

2. Paint Ya Pole: The BUG has been discussing a range of strategies with Council to provide more effective route, destination & directional guidance on the Outer Harbor Greenway.  Some weeks ago Matt contacted the BUG with an initial proposal to get a group of interested community members together to add some artwork to the Greenway by painting stobie poles (see examples below). Matt has proposed an on-going & free painting activity organised by City of PAE . 

Council has acknowledged that finding or sticking to the Greenway’s route has been a challenge for those unfamiliar with it, particularly as it approaches & transits through Port Adelaide. When it comes to providing directional or destination guidance, painting the Stobie poles along the way could be seen as one of the ‘low hanging fruit’ options in highlighting the route, complementing some of the other more formal signage & route guidance proposals that have been discussed. If you are at all interested in participating in a Stobie Pole painting project please contact the BUG’s secretary asap.

3. Bedford Street Bike Lanes (safety strips/buffers): Matt reports on the imminent installation of new bicycle lanes on Bedford Street, Port Adelaide between Gray Terrace & Perkins Drive (& its off-road bike path) with possible delivery by end of November. This project will connect to a proposed new wombat crossing at Gray Terrace (to be delivered in FY24/25) & will effectively provide a Port CBD ‘by pass’ option between the Outer Harbor Greenway & the Port River Bikeway.

4. Walking Improvements: PAE Council are currently focusing on improving pedestrian ramps throughout the suburb of Enfield. The key focus is around schools, shops, aged care facilities and parks. This will ensure the kerb ramps are compliant with current DDA requirements. Council also have an ongoing ‘Participate PAE’ online consultation you can use to suggest upgrades to ramps, crossings, bike parking & other walking & cycling infrastructure across the Council Area. PortBUG encourages all residents to contribute their suggestions here.

5. Active Transport Fund: The Federal Government’s new Active Transport Fund is now open. It can be found here – https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/active-transport-fund  Applications close 13 January 2025. Matt will keep the PortBUG updated on Council’s chosen projects and any consultation opportunities that arise.

6. Bike Lane Proposal for Military Road: Council has been approached by the RAA about the possibility of bicycle lanes along Military Road (currently posted at 60km/h) – the RAA apparently intend writing to DIT proposing them.  Council have drafted a letter supporting this initiative (Action Item #79 in the Walking & Cycling Plan).

7. Treweck Avenue, Hillcrest (new bicycle ramp): As part of Council’s Road Renewal program, Matt has identifying roads that would benefit from improved cycling infrastructure. Matt has identified need for an additional ramp to complement the newly installed pedestrian and cyclist refuge at the corner of Patricia and Treweck Avenues, Hillcrest. This should make access to the footpath and the new refuge island easier and safer. Matt will share a concept plan once prepared. Delivery should be in this financial year.

8. Budget Planning – 2025/26: Matt is working on the Walking & Cycling program for next financial year (2025/26) and will share this in coming weeks. 

In particular he has:

• scoped some works mentioned in the Walking & Cycling Plan (Action items #7 to #10) that need to be completed in Angle Park as well as various key projects in the Port CBD (Action items #92 to 113)
• been exploring further improvements to the Mersey Road Bikeway to connect to Veitch Road & the Osborne Naval Shipyards with Renewal SA and the ARTC.

Matt will put some concept designs out for consultation once plans are complete.