PortBUG: The Port Adelaide Bicycle User Group.

The Bicycle Institute of SA (BISA) has today called on political parties at the coming March elections to allocate $75 million a year for 4 years to fund a RAPID and SIGNIFICANT increase in cycle funding.

The demands are outlined in a letter to the state’s political parties, which also asks that they respond.

Below is an analysis based on work by BISA as to what cycling-related commitments have been made thus far by the 4 major contenders:

1.  Labour: Labour has made only a single cycling-related commitment – to increase bike cages at public transport stops with an investment of $350,000. Contrast this with the findings of the 2017 Adelaide Cycle Park ‘n Ride Survey which found that at least $5.5 million is required! Labour have made no policy commitments to support cycling for transport. Also notably absent from their agenda is any mention of a revised ‘State Bicycle Plan’, the current Plan now being some 7 years out of date…

2.  Liberal: The Liberals have made only one funding commitment, a somewhat ‘left field’ proposal to a build ‘Great Southern Cycleway’ to connect Adelaide and Melbourne. The outcomes are obviously focussed on tourism benefits, although these seem likely to be limited, especially given the investment required. Surprising too given the many, many potential projects for cycle tourism much closer to home! No costings have been provided nor have the Liberals made any commitments to support cycling for transport!

3.  Greens:  Unlike Labour and the Liberals, the greens appear to have done their homework!

They have:

• a costed cycling policy that includes a significant increase in funding to cycle infrastructure
• have a developed transport policy
• have a developed walking policy

4.  SA Best: SA Best appear to have only a couple of policies related to transport and they have nothing to do with cycling, focussing instead on increasing rural road speeds and increasing the share of the transport budget addressing the backlog of rural road repair. No cycling-related or other transport policies!

5.  The Greens in Detail: PortBUG cannot help but notice that The Greens appear to be the only Party which has acknowledged the community’s need for an Active Transport Future.

The Greens have committed to:

• Allocate at least $90 million to cycling development (over and above current maintenance and planned projects) over the next 4 years, with $40 million allocated to the Greenway Network and $50 million to the arterial and local council area network to deliver fully separated bikeways and bicycle boulevards
• Allocate $1.5 million dollars per year for the State Bicycle Fund to match dollar for dollar with local government investment
• Provide safer riding by expanding on-road and off-road infrastructure such as bicycle lanes and bicycle paths
• Design and Develop a Cycling Strategy for SA (to replace the one that expired in 2010) in conjuction with local councils, community groups and other stakeholders
• Ensure new roads and road upgrades provide both on-road and off-road facilities for cyclists of varying abilities
• Invest in safe and secure public bike storage around the CBD, at all train stations, ‘park’n’ride’ stations and public transport interchanges
• Ensure that end-of-trip facilities (such as bike storage, showers and lockers) are provided in all new commercial, industrial or multi-dwelling developments; and
• Reduce bicycle theft and improve recovery of stolen bicycles by promoting voluntary GPS tracking of bicycles.

Without taking a partisan position, PortBUG applauds The Greens for their policy releases and their obvious commitment to Active Transport. 

The lack of substantial policies supporting utility bike use from the other 3 major contenders is of course extremely disappointing when we’re only about 3 weeks away from the election! Let’s hope we see the situation change in coming days!

Proposed Port Dock Rail Station: Baker & Barlow streets at top-left, Railway Museum & new Lipson St bus interchange to the right.

PortBUG recently met with the Port Dock rail station Project Team to discuss key issues for cycling and Active Transport. Ours was their first discussion with the community – more general consultation will occur in the next few weeks. Here’s a summary of what we said:

Baker Street: Project Team members & PortBUG view the site of the new Port Dock Rail Station.

“1.  Greenway Continuity:  It is essential that continuity be maintained along the Gillman rail yards section of the Greenway. We note that there is significantly more at stake in this continuity than connectivity for bicycle users. The rail yards pathway is used extensively each day by residents of Rosewater and other nearby suburbs to walk, cycle or travel by mobility device into the Port CBD to access shopping and services. It is already important and highly functional public space and should be valued as such.

Gillman Rail Yards: The Greenway looking north. The new spur line will run on the rails to the left (which will also be fenced off).

We suggest that the crossing across the new spur line be maintained and improved to the highest standard possible. Given the wide range of pathway users and the high likelihood of significantly increased traffic once the Outer Harbour Greenway is fully open in the next month or so, we’d suggest that the minimum standard that should be considered is an ‘automatic’ crossing of the type already installed at Woodville Rail Station.

PortBUG outlines what’s needed for the Greenway’s new rail crossing.

We also discussed the need for provision of effective interim access along the Greenway over the course of the project. This access needs to be continuous and at all times as direct as possible through to Lipson St, although we acknowledge that its location may need to shift at the different stages of construction. It will of course also need to be disability compliant and secure with regard to lighting, surface treatments and ramp ways etc.

2.  Rail Station Access:  It will be essential that pedestrians, bicycle users and those using mobility devices using the Greenway also have as direct access as possible to the new Port Dock rail station. This access will be particularly valuable for residents of Rosewater and Ottoway for whom the new station may well be more accessible than the existing raised Port Adelaide station.

We understand that Port Adelaide/Enfield Council is considering options for an off-road or kerb side separated shared-use pathway along Barlow St (where there is currently no footpath). We would suggest that the Project Team liaise with Council to ensure that an effective linkage is provided from the Gillman Rail Yard Greenway pathway to any such new shared-use facility. We anticipate that such access may require improved pathway surfaces, separation, lighting and signage through the rail yards to connect to Barlow Street.

3.  Lipson St:  The Greenway’s route along Lipson Street remains a real challenge as it must accommodate (for the time being) frequent use by semi-trailers, police vehicles, Greenway users, visitors to the local museums as well as the likelihood of increased bus traffic. We believe that there is already considerable potential for conflict and risk to vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians). Given the likelihood that the new station will result in increased traffic (and potential for conflicts) on Lipson Street we would suggest that the Project Team will need to work closely with Council to minimise any increased risks for vulnerable road users.

Trucks and buses are a frequent presence on the Lipson Street section of the Greenway!

We have already suggested a number of pre-emptive strategies to Council aimed at reducing this risk including:

• an improved roadway crossing opposite the entrance ramp to the shared use pathway (on Lipson St) including provision of a median refuge and appropriate warning signs
• improvements to the surfaces and ramps and reduction in obstructions on Lipson Street’s west-side footpaths, particularly with regard to improved disability access and lighting
• installation of an appropriate ramp and crossing facility at the Lipson St/St Vincent St junction to enable secure pedestrian and bicycle crossing from the eastern footpath to the west (and to the protected crossing to Lipson St-North)
• installation of sharrows on the Lipson St roadway
• installation of suitable ‘mixed traffic’ warning signs
• reduced traffic speeds (we suggest a 40km/h precinct limit)
• establishing improved pedestrian and bike access through to Commercial Road along Godfrey and Butler Streets and the DPTI reserve adjacent to lot #65
• whatever strategies prove effective to eliminate the current unauthorised truck access and ‘rat running’ by vehicles seeking to avoid the adjacent Commercial Road/St Vincent St junction.

We also note that concurrent with the development of the new rail station, Starfish Developments will commence construction of a new housing development at Dock 1 on the waterfront. Many of the new station’s potential customers will inevitably be located here and at the new public service offices located on Nelson St to the west. We therefore anticipate need for much improved access for both pedestrians and bicycles through the waterfront precinct and across the often very busy St Vincent Street. We believe that Council and the developers will need to work closely with the Project Team to ensure that this improved access is provided.”

The Project Team expect general community consultations to commence in the next few weeks. We’ll try to keep track of this let let you know of opportunities for input as they arise.

1. New Port Adelaide Bicycle Forum: After considerable late-night angst (your editor is not part of the ‘social media’ generation), we have an on-line forum for sharing ideas to make the Port Adelaide/Enfield Council Area a better place for bikes and for Active Transport generally. It’s early days but we very much hope that this forum will extend our reach, increase community participation in implementing the Port’s Bike Plan and generally serve to build a more bike-friendly community. You can read and join the Forum here. Let’s make it happen!

The new Port Dock Rail Station (pic courtesy of DPTI)

2. The New Port Dock Station: The PortBUG today met with the team building the new Port Dock Rail Station. We walked around the proposed site and were able to provide some useful information about key design & construction issues from Active Transport & community points of view.

The PortBUG’s Tony Bazeley (with the hat) talks ‘state of the art’ rail crossings with Project Staff Ben, Belinda & Valli.

Key outcomes we recommended to the team included:

• ensure continuity of the Outer Harbour Greenway route where it crosses the rail lines
• ensure the new crossing meets the needs of all users, in particular pedestrians and mobility device users from Rosewater and nearby suburbs (we indicated a preference for an over/underpass or an ‘automatic gate’ at-grade crossing).
• ensure that residents of Rosewater, Ottoway & associated suburbs have easy access to the new Rail Station via the Greenway and other pathways improvements (perhaps on a new pathway along Barlow St to the East of the Railway Museum)
• ensure Greenway access through the new station project during construction (scheduled to finish by mid 2019)
• take whatever opportunities present themselves in the Project to improve Greenway access for all pathway users along Lipson Street and across St Vincent St.

Lipson Street – a Greenway Route, but not yet ‘bike friendly’!

We came away feeling encouraged by the Project Team’s obvious commitment to these and other outcomes. There will be many issues for Council in particular to deal with – the new station will raise many access, traffic management issues and community impact issues that will require careful planning and extensive engagement with Port businesses and local residents.  There will be further opportunities for input as the Project conducts extensive community consultation planned for the next few months.

3. PA/E Bike Plan & Budget 2018-19: The PortBUG has had several recent meetings with Council staff regarding the ongoing implementation of the PA/E Bike Plan & the budget planning required. Recent discussions focussed on several important projects that the Council wants to complete, both over what’s left of the current financial year (notably new off-road pathways on Causeway Rd), and over 2018-19.

Council officers will put in bids for a number of worthwhile projects for 2018-19 including improved off-road pathway access on the Greenway at the corner of Semaphore Road and Mead Street and opening up new rampways (on the service roads) to ensure improved bicycle access and connections to off-road pathways along Folland Ave, Northgate. This will create a more secure Active Transport route to complement that provided by the bike lanes already on Folland Ave. There are also quite a few ‘small scale’ and often quite complex projects that Council will examine to improve connectivity, particularly along the Gawler Greenway and the Levels Bikeway.

‘Smart’ bike counter on a Vancouver Greenway. Coming to The Port soon???

Council has also won a Federal ‘Smart Cities’ grant which it hopes will support use of new bike-counting and way-finding technologies to assist some of the more challenging mobility tasks in and around Port Adelaide (including improving Greenway access through the Port’s waterfront area).

STOP PRESS: Minister Stephen Mullighan opens a new Discovery Trail today on the Coast Park at Tennyson.

This is of course not the completely open ‘Coast Park through Tennyson & Grange’ that we’ve sought for so many years – but it’s progress!

Just testing the publishing link from the PortBUG website and blog to our new facebook group – The Port Adelaide Bicycle Forum. Please consider joining up.

Sam Powrie, Secretary, PortBUG.

Community TDU Flags, Jan. 2018. Photo: Leslie Wightman

1. PortBUG at the TDU: At the start of the TDU in Port Adelaide on Tuesday 16th, PortBUG was fortunate to share a stall with our colleagues from WestsideBUG.

Many questions for the BUG, Jan. 2018. Photo: Leslie Wightman

We had 2 cargo bikes set up with display boards as well as a number of poster displays on the walls and a table with lots of giveaway bike stickers, BUG brochures and cards.

Bike parking courtesy WestsideBUG, Jan. 2018. Photo: Leslie Wightman

WestsideBUG provided an excellent bicycle parking service and visitors to our stall showed a great deal of interest in our Outer Harbor Greenway display. It seems that just about everyone – including lycra-clad road cyclists – have a strong interest in a safe, secure and direct route between Port Adelaide and the City!

Greenway discussions, Jan. 2018. Photo: Leslie Wightman

It seemed that most visitors had no idea that the Outer Harbor Greenway even existed let alone that it was about to open! Latest word is that the final section of the Outer Harbor Greenway (between South Road and the Adelaide Parklands) is due to open in early March.

The first question most people asked was ‘have you got a map?’ In the past we have directed such queries to InfrastructureSA’s ‘Greenway’ page (with it’s somewhat indistinct aerial photographs), but now we have our own interim ‘hand-made’ Way finding Guide! You can find it here. Try it and let us know what you think…

2. ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’: Co-hosts PortBUG and the PA/E Council ran a very successful and well received MAC/BicycleSA ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ cycling safety seminar in early January.

Over 40 people attended (including about 10 PA/E staff). BicycleSA’s Gerri Nelligan provided an effective and highly skilled presentation with several appreciative comments on the content. The free Cycling Safety Packs were also popular!

PortBUG hopes to run more of these seminars in 2018 so if you missed out… stay tuned!

3. Bike Budget 2018-19:  PortBUG will shortly meet with Council officers to discuss the PA/E Council ‘Bike Plan Budget’ for the forthcoming financial year (2018-19). The next 2 years (2018-20) will be pivotal in seeing the completion – or otherwise – of the PA/E ‘Bike Plan 2015-20’. We have already put a number of proposals to Council and will be arguing for as large a budget as possible and the completion of several items of important bike infrastructure. We’ll keep you posted on the outcomes.

A real bike route for a real bike! Jan. 2018. Photo: Leslie Wightman

Readers will already be aware that Port Community Arts and the Black Diamond Art Gallery are hosting a ColourWheel cycling-themed exhibition of artwork (including photography) to celebrate the start of the Tour Down Under 2018  in Port Adelaide.

The final date of entry for the exhibition has now been extended up until Wednesday 12th (that’s next week!) Work can be dropped off at Black Diamond Gallery on either Saturday 6th or Wednesday 12th after 12 noon (by appointment – call Debra on 0401076560).

So all of you bicycling artists, artistic bicycle users and cycling photographers out there – get your tyres pumped up and your skates on, sort out your work, get it framed up and down to the Gallery by Wed 10th. Entry rules here and entry forms here.

Exhibition will open on Sat. Jan 13th & run until the 21st.

Hi Folks,  I promise – this is our last BUG-BLOG for 2017! We’re anticipating that once the Christmas and New Year break is over we’ll see public comment ramp up as our political betters prepare for the 2018 March election. I thought it might be worthwhile revisiting a couple of key paras from Adam Langenberg’s ‘mature politics’ opinion piece in the Advertiser back on Nov. 11th.

Here ’tis:   “An incredibly important element of a proper transport blueprint is how cycling and bike paths should be constructed to complement and take pressure off our road network. 

Often overlooked, cycling has been back in the news for all the wrong reasons in the last few weeks. Burnside Council slammed the brakes on its plan to create designated bike paths in the municipality, and cycling participation rates have plummeted.

Co-ordinated, well thought-out public policy on cycling and bike infrastructure is a crucial part of designing the road network of the future. And that requires the prospective state government to show leadership both before and after the state election.

It’s time for both major parties to get on their bikes and stop the shallow infrastructure wars that can be easily interpreted as shallow electioneering, because South Australia needs real leadership to get moving effectively.”

The PortBUG has repeatedly written to Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan over the last 2 years seeking an update on release of a new State Bike Plan. We have not received a single meaningful or informative response! SA’s last state bike plan, ‘Safety in Numbers’ concluded in 2010! As far as we know it has never been evaluated. There have been rumours that a new, updated Plan has been prepared and has been sitting on the Minister’s desk for the last couple of years! But – despite repeated queries – as 2017 winds down we’re none the wiser!

The Opposition appears to be just as unhelpful. Recent questions put to Shadow Minister for Transport, David Pisoni reveals what can only be described as a vacuous understanding of Adelaide’s Active Transport challenge and the issues bicycle users face on a daily basis – it seems his interest doesn’t get much beyond a tired and confused discussion of Australia’s helmet laws. Nothing solid about infrastructure investment, a more balanced cross-modal transport policy or leadership in promoting Active Travel!

An up-to-date State Bike Plan is important. It helps the community and Local Government know where they stand with regard to the State Government’s overall policy direction and annual funding strategy.

Burnside Council’s recent nonsensical tantrum is what happens in the absence of such a plan! A State Bike Plan would also helps build the positive community vision and support for Active Transport that is needed whenever new initiatives and infrastructure plans are proposed and activated. And most importantly it helps advance the political conversation beyond the mere point scoring and divisive ‘cars versus bikes’ dog-whistling we so often see in the media!

As you have a rest over the Christmas break and maybe ride your bikes for relaxation rather than commuting, maybe have a think about what you want to hear from our leaders in March 2018 and how that might guide your vote…

Sam, Your (definitely politically unaligned) Editor 😉

Look out for PortBUG’s T.D.U flag designs. Photo: B Day & K Micenko.

1. More Flags: In our last blog post we showed you 1 or 2 flag designs that PortBUG members came up with for the opening of the TDU in the Port on 16th January. In the compilation above you can see some more that we created. Below you can also see some more extremely creative designs that others came up with. The 200 or so flags that Kalyna and Bob are making will look awesome – they’ll line St Vincent Street on both sides as well as Nelson Street and the Birkenhead Bridge! We’ve seen a marquette that Bob and Kalyna have made and it’s going to look truly impressive!

2. TDU ‘Colour Wheel’ Exhibition: From the 13th to the 21st of January, The Port Community Arts Centre (Black Diamond Gallery, 66 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide) will host the ‘Colour Wheel’ exhibition of cycling-related art works. The theme will be the ‘Peleton in the Port’. The exhibition will be opened by yours truly at 2pm, Saturday 13th January. Come along and check it out. Artists can submit their work up until the 6th January!

3. Free ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ Presentation: I just wanted to again invite readers to come along to this free presentation on Cycling Safety – how to keep yourself safe when riding in on our roads and in and around traffic. Presented by BikeSA and MAC this presentation will be invaluable for those getting back into riding their bikes, for students riding to school, uni or other study in the New Year and maybe for young people riding to their first job! Come along and enjoy yourselves, learn something really valuable and (if you register before January 1st) receive a fantastic bag of road safety cycling goodies. All completely free! You can of course come along even if you don’t register by Jan 1st, but I need to hear from you by then if you want the cycling safety pack! Just email Sam at portadbug@gmail.com!

4. Step Away from the Car: Episode 2 of this popular Sunday afternoon series from Radio Adelaide is now available for listening on-line. This week’s episode – ‘Know Your Place’ – explores the value of knowing your neighbourhood’s ‘local stories’ and how they can ‘activate’ walking and cycling facilities. Rally exciting stuff and worth listening to! And episode 4 – coming up in a couple of weeks – will feature Jan Garrard from Deakin University. Jan has an excellent article in The Conversation today on emerging demand from young people for ‘walkable communities’ in Australia. It’s really worth reading!

Photo: B Day & K Micenko.

Leslie (BUG Convenor) & Sam (Sec): ‘V for Victory’!

Hi Folks, Best Wishes from the PortBUG for Christmas and the New Year! There’s lots happening as we approach the end of 2017 and pedal on into 2018 & progress that all Supporters of Cycling can be proud of! Here are some really positive updates:

New bicycle underpass, Park Trc, Bowden.

1. The Outer Harbour Greenway: The long-awaited opening of the Outer Harbour Greenway is due sometime in January 2018. It’s not quite clear exactly when – but it’s happening. The PortBUG first mapped out the route in August, 2005 so a week or so either way hardly matters! What we’re now waiting on is:

• opening of the bike overpass over South Rd
• construction of a pathway between South Road and Park Trc  (including a new bike-bridge over Chief St)
• the opening of the bicycle underpass at Park Trc, connecting the Greenway to the Adelaide Parklands pathways (see right).

So folks – it’s going to happen! Very soon commuters, families, oldies, youngies – just about anyone – will be able to safely & easily ride all the way into the Adelaide CBD or down to The Port, and to all points in between!

2.  Causeway Rd Upgrades:  The Port Adelaide/Enfield Council has confirmed that construction of the long-awaited new pathways and upgraded bike facilities along hazardous Causeway Road will commence in early 2018. These will be a great help to students travelling to both Le Fevre P.S and Port Christian College as well as those using Glanville and Ethelton Rail Stations or travelling to Semaphore Road. The changes will include:

• new off-road pathways and a pedestrian crossing and median refuge between Glanville RS and the Hart Street Bridge (see below)

• widening and other improvements to the existing shared use pathway between the Hart Street Bridge and Bower Road (see below).

The PortBUG has long sought these upgrades and improvements and we congratulate the Port Council for its positive response!

3.  Hart Street:  The long-awaited DPTI upgrade of bike facilities on Hart Street is (we understand) to start early in 2018. The upgrades will include:

• reduction of traffic lanes on Hart St from 4 to 2 lanes
• a continuous painted bike lane on the northern side of the road between the Jervois Bridge and Military Rd
• a ‘protected’ bike lane on the southern side
• dedicated parking for those using the net-ball courts on the southern side
• at least 2 ‘passive’ pedestrian crossings with mid-road refuges
• lots more trees courtesy of the Port Council!

Hart Street is a major ‘entrance-way’ to The Port and to Semaphore and an important ‘linkage’ to the beach-side suburbs. These upgrades will make it an awesome place to ride and will add greatly to amenity and safety for local residents, visitors and for the nearby sporting precinct!

4.  PortBUG Flags!  The PortBUG has been involved in a flag-making workshop for the TDU start in the Port in January 2018. There will be 200 or so flags – we made three or four with a bike-related theme. They are beauties – look out for the PortBUG emblem on one of them (see the top of this post. Yes – it’s our ‘BUG Riding a Bike’ by local artist Bill Doyle!)

5.  A New ‘East-West Connector’:  The PortBUG has been reconnoitering routes between Port Adelaide and the Gawler Greenway and Salisbury Bike Network. The idea is to provide safe and secure routes for those in the Northern suburbs to easily access the The Port and beachside suburbs. Such routes would enable cyclists to bypass both the deadly Port Expressway ‘breakdown lanes’ and the hazards of Grand Junction Road. We’re working on it as a likely project for 2018-19 and beyond!

6. ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’, January 2018:  With PA/E Council the PortBUG is again hosting this excellent BikeSA/MAC presentation. Don’t forget to register and come along to hear about the latest facts and key strategies for your cycling safety! The program will again offer participants an excellent and free ‘goodie bag’ of valuable cycling-safety items – but only if your name is on the list prior to Jan 1st! So – please register ASAP at portadbug@gmail.com! 

There are many more items we could mention in this Christmas update – things are looking up for cycling in and around The Port so stay tuned! Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year and please – join us simply by ‘following’ this BUGblog or our facebook page – the ‘BUGbook’ – in 2018!

The PortBUG Team.

Photo: Jeremy Miller.

Every Sunday for the next 10 weeks, Radio Adelaide’s Barometer program is broadcasting ‘Step Away from the Car’, a series of interview-based features focusing on Active Transport. The interviews were recorded by RA’s Nicky Page in July this year at Adelaide’s Australian Walking & Cycling Conference.

Episode 1, broadcast this Sunday just past featured the PortBUG with your editor talking about the BUG’s promotion of Active Transport over the past 3 or more decades, and in particular our focus on promoting safe and secure off-road bicycle routes connecting residents and visitors to major destinations within the Port Council area and elsewhere in Adelaide. You can see a Program Guide below and listen to the full set of programs as they are broadcast at RA’s Barometer page.

School Holiday Opportunity! ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ Cycling Safety Workshop: PortBUG and the Port Adelaide/Enfield Council will be hosting another of BicycleSA’s very successful ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ cycling safety presentations in January, 2018.

WHEN:  11th January, 2018, 10.30-11.30am.

WHERE:  The Town Hall, Port Adelaide/Enfield Council, 34 Nile Street, Port Adelaide.

WHAT: The Bike SA and Motor Accident Commission  (MAC) Be Safe Be Seen presentation reveals the findings of NEW SA cycling casualty research, providing local, detailed information on where and how crashes most commonly occur, and how best to avoid them.

Every attendee registering prior to Jan 1st receives a safety gift pack, containing: saddle bag, backpack cover, reflective slap bands & free 3 month membership to Bike SA. (Please note: these are strictly limited to those in attendance on the day).

Highly relevant to ALL levels of experience, including the most experienced cyclist and motorists, the presentation contains surprising and essential information for anyone using our roads. To attend this free presentation please register your interest by contacting Sam Powrie, Secretary, PortBUG. To also receive the cycling safety gift pack you must register by Monday, January 1st!

The Salisbury Council is immediately to the North of Port Adelaide/Enfield’s and a number of the Port’s existing and proposed  Bike Network routes link to those in Salisbury!

For a number of years the Salisbury Council has supported Cycle Salisbury, a program of regular community-based bicycle rides let by community volunteers. Port Adelaide/Enfield residents are most welcome to participate in these rides.  See the link above for more details on each of these rides as well as the program pdf below.

Social Rides November 2017

Kalyna & Bob.

Port Adelaide artists, Kalyna Micenko and Bob Daly have received a grant to produce large appliqued flags to celebrate the start of the 2018 Tour Down Under in Port Adelaide.

They are now scheduling community workshops to design these flags for The Port’s streets and have invited PortBUG’s participation. The workshops will take place at Gallery Yampu (1 Jenkins St, Birkenhead) or at their studio in Port Adelaide.

Workshop participants will do a simple pencil design to the theme of ‘Port River Life’ then:

• cut and pin nylon in the shape of the picture design
• attach it to the flag base which is about 1m x 1m in size.

No words – just pictures. The flags will then be completed by Bob and Kalyna. After the TDU the flags will be owned by PAEC and available for community use.

Young people can take part if working alongside an adult. Bob and Kalyna will provide all materials & this is a free activity.

A special workshop just for the PortBUG could occur on a weekend morning or afternoon. The workshop would take about 2-3 hours maximum. Dates available are all Saturdays and Sundays from Nov 4 – Dec 10th except Nov 11th. 

If you are interested in attending a flag-design workshop please contact Sam (portadbug@gmail.com) ASAP indicating when you prefer to attend.

Causeway Road, Semaphore.

1. Bike Plan Update: Readers will be pleased to know that in what is left of the 2017-18 f/year Council intends completing a number of new off-road shared pathways along Causeway Road between Bower and Semaphore Roads, as well as improvements to existing pathways and a new pedestrian crossing.

These new pathways & improvements will go a long way to making this hazardous road much friendlier to both bike riders and pedestrians, including those walking and cycling to the two rail stations and to the schools at each end!  Work is also proceeding on Lipson St North to improve conditions for bicycles on this section of the Greenway.

Gillman Rail Reserve Pathway Route.

2. Proposals for 2018-19: The PortBUG meets 3 x year with staff from the Council to assist with the next round of project funding for the Local Area Bike Plan 2015-2020. At the first of these meetings a week or so ago, we reviewed current projects and canvassed a number of possible ones for the 2018-19 funding period (beginning July next year). Projects we are likely to nominate may include:

• Further improvements along Causeway Road
• Improvements to the very awkward Greenway connection between Mead Street and the pedestrian crossing on Semaphore Road/Le Fevre P.S (part of the Outer Harbour Greenway Route).
• Initial planning and pathway improvements for the long-mooted East-West Connector along the disused railway reserve at Gillman (connecting the Outer Harbour Greenway route to South Road and beyond)
• Improvements to the termination of the Greenway on Lady Gowrie Drive at Outer Harbour
• Improved access from the pedestrian/bike crossings on Nelson St (adjacent to the Birkenhead Bridge) through to Commercial Road and Lipson Street along Nile Street and perhaps North Parade.

The PortBUG welcomes suggestions from readers for any new projects and improvements for the 2018-19 budget! Please drop us a note asap.

3. Greenway Update & Opening: A recent update from the Torrens-to-Torrens Project indicates that the OH Greenway connections between Queen Street, Croydon and the Adelaide Parklands – over South Road, through Bowden and then under Park Terrace – are on schedule and likely to be open for bicycle use by this Christmas. After 12 years of sustained effort to see this Greenway built the PortBUG will be seeking a proper ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony with the Minister for Transport in the New Year!

Riding Beyond Port Adelaide?

Yes – the Outer Harbor Greenway does go beyond the Port’s Waterfront! In fact it makes it’s way across the Birkenhead Bridge and around the Inner Harbor via the Loop Path, and then finds it’s way up the middle of the Le Fevre Peninsula via a connected series of quiet roads and connecting off-road pathways. The character of the Greenway here is different and less scenic, but it’s a good route for commuters and those riding into the Port CBD. It’s also an excellent way to get to a ship-watcher’s delight – the Parks and Lookouts at Outer Harbor – without braving the traffic on Lady Gowrie/Ruthven Drives or riding all the way to Semaphore to join the Coast Park.

And the great news is that Port Adelaide Council has now made a significant investment in improving some of these off-road links (shown in the pics below), making negotiation of this Northern end of the Greenway easier and more convenient.

New full-width ramp and access pathway at the end of Railway Trc, Osborne.

This new ramp and the existing pathway provides a link past Osborne RS and through to Osborne Road.

Upgraded pathway linking Fraser Drive to Jurs Ave.

Upgraded pathway linking Klingberger Drive to Flaminia Street.

New ramp and path giving access to the railway crossing maze at Outer Harbor.

But it’s not quite finished! The PortBUG has written to both PA/E Council and to DPTI pointing out that the crossing maze illustrated above does not really meet the needs of current shared-pathway use and really needs upgrading to a more up-to-date design (a wider, more mobility-device and bike-trailer/family-friendly etc). We’ve also pointed to pressing need on the other side of the rail track for a much improved pathway through the kerb reserve and a secure road crossing (across Lady Ruthven Drive) to join up with the Coast Park. This latter bikeway takes riders the last few hundred meters to the park and lookouts at Outer Harbor and is a great way to return to Semaphore and thence to the Port. We’ll keep readers posted on the outcome!

Ship-watching Lookout – Outer Harbour. Booking the next coffee stop!

View of the Greenway path through the new Bowden Station precinct & the Park Trc Underpass.

O.H Greenway to Open By Christmas!  PortBUG recently met with representatives of DPTI & the Torrens2Torrens & Torrens Junction Projects. Great news: the OH Greenway – The Port to the Adelaide CBD – will be open by Christmas!

The T2T & TJ Projects will complete the Greenway’s shared pathway link from Queens Street, Croydon through to the Parklands Bike Network. At long last – after 12 years of consistent and cooperative effort – the Greenway between the Port and the Adelaide CBD will be operational!

The PortBUG will be seeking a formal opening ceremony, hopefully to coincide with the start of the 2018 TDU in the Port! Maybe a giant TDU/Greenway ‘Breakfast & Celebration Ride’? Stay tuned for further news…

Artist’s view of the shared-use overpass currently under construction at South Road.

‘Torrens2Torrens’ Project Update: T2T staff told us that although the South Road bicycle overpass will be open to commuters by September/October, the extended ramp to Coglin Street may still be a work zone over November. In the interim this may require those using the overpass to descend via the new ‘dog-leg’ ramp on the Eastern side to McInnes Street (and thence to Port Road via First Street and Coglin or Chief Streets).

‘Torrens Junction’ Project: The original scope of the TJ Project has been extended Westwards to link up with the bikeway overpass over at Coglin Street. This will take the new OHG shared use path all the way through to the Adelaide Parklands via new off-road pathways over a new bike bridge at Chief Street, a road crossing at West Street and through the new Bowden Station precinct, under Park Terrace and into the Park Lands.

Artist’s view of the Greenway path through the Bowden Station precinct – from the East St crossing.

We have been assured that the new pathway will be at least 2.5 metres wide, straight and well lit at night. Work will take place over October/November and again, it is expected to be open by Christmas. It was noted that the pathway through the station precinct will be separate from the station platform.

Signage & Detours: PortBUG has provided feedback indicating that access through the whole TJ construction site remained somewhat confusing and difficult due to a lack of clear, on-ground signage. Project staff noted that one of the large pathway maps has recently gone missing due to construction activities – they will ensure it is replaced and that interim detour signage is reviewed and improved where appropriate.

It’s worth noting that in the Torrens2Torrens Project area in particular (Queens Street to Coglin Street), a number of the detour and access routes (Hawker St, Cedar Ave) will close and open again over the next few weeks as multiple works proceed.

Staff recommend that cycle commuters utilise the Port Road bicycle detours around the South Road junction over this period. We were also told that the pathway crossing at Park Terrace will close soon as work on the underpass continues. DPTI will maintain and update the Cycle Instead Journey Planner which may also assist cyclists keep track of these changes.

Linear Path Updates: There are a number of projects affecting bicycle access along the Linear Pathway at present. Work to widen the Taylor Street bridge has closed the Linear Path here for some weeks, requiring detours that will be reflected in the Cycle Instead Journey Planner. Linear Path under the Torrens bridge on Port Road is also about to close for approx. 3 weeks due to work undertaken by SA Water. Pathway access under both bridges will be open by Christmas.

Use of power-assist via IC engines now illegal in S.A!

1. Power assisted bicycles: New regulations (from December 2016) now makes use of internal combustion engines fitted to bicycles illegal on South Australian roads or road-related areas (such as bikepaths and bikeways and shared-use pathways).

The Greenway at St Clair.

2. Outer Harbour Greenway Review:  Our February News announced projects that will finally see the OHG open all the way between The Port and the Adelaide CBD. The challenge will then be  to ensure the route is gradually improved for all users and for local communities along the way. This will need many inputs and perspectives over time. Charles Sturt Council has started this process by commissioning a review to which the PortBUG will make submissions. You’ll be able to read what we have to say here. Please add any comments you may have – we’ll ensure they are included.

3. Hart Street Redevelopment: Residents may have recently noted the recent presence of orange-clad surveyors working along Hart Street, Semaphore. DPTI staff inform us that public consultation for the long-awaited redevelopment of Active Transport (bike and pedestrian) facilities on Hart Street will begin very soon. These facilities will include:

• reducing 4 traffic lanes to 2 (between the Jervois Bridge and Military Road), thus freeing road space for other users
• extending the bicycle lanes from the Jervois Bridge all the way to the Esplanade and linking to the Coastal Park Bikeway
• improving safety for pedestrians, particularly for students at Le Fevre HS and young people using nearby netball and hockey facilities.

4. Rosewater LATM: For residents of Rosewater without access to a car, travel into The Port or to other centres has been unnecessarily difficult. Residents of nearby Ottoway face similar difficulties. The PortBUG has drafted a submission to the Council regarding a new Local Area Traffic Management Plan (LATM) for Rosewater. We feel confident that there will be major improvements for pedestrians, bicycle users and all others using active transport (including those using mobility devices). Because implementation of the LATM will extend over some years we’ve created a web page which we’ll update regularly.

5. Port CBD Update: For sometime the BUG has been developing recommendations to improve Active Mobility Access – for pedestrians, bicycle & mobility device users etc – to the Port CBD’s shopping & services precincts. We have been particularly concerned with safe & convenient access from the Harbour Loop and Greenway paths and from Bower Road. In fact CBD access was included in the PA/E Bike Plan (see right). Prompted by the major redevelopments planned for the Port’s historic & shopping centre areas, the BUG has surveyed new potential linkages for bikes, pedestrians & mobility device users & will develop a set of recommendations for Council. We’ll post updates here.

New Signs on the Coast Park Bikeway at Semaphore Park (pics by Dave Case)

1. Innovation on the Coastal Way: The PortBUG’s eagle-eyed camera patrol recently encountered these new signs on the Coast Park Bikeway at Semaphore Park (Charles Sturt Council area).

Cyclist – ring your bell!

Pathway Users – keep left!

The BUG has previously suggested to the Port Council that similar behavioural guidance be provided on the Coast Park Bikeway between Semaphore and Outer Harbour. Perhaps this initiative by Charles Sturt Council is an example worth emulating!

South Road Bikeway Overpass (marked #2 above).

2. Torrens-to-Torrens Project Update: In a brief update email today the T2T Project has announced that (amongst other things): “The Outer Harbour rail overpass will be fully completed in mid 2017, including the shared use pathway that will be attached to the northern side of the rail overpass, connecting pedestrians and cyclists with the Outer Harbor Greenway.”  Pathway highlighted in brown above, link to the full update here. 

Edit: We have received a comment from Brian suggesting that the ‘official’ cycling detour around the Torrens Junction Project may be a bit unclear. The nominated cycling detour route can be seen here. The nominated pedestrian detour can be found here. It’s also worth reading the latest Project Newsletter here. We’d welcome further feedback from those using these detours over the coming months. Ed. 

New Bikeway Overpass, Outer Harbour Greenway, South Rd.

1. Outer Harbour Greenway Completion:  Yes, that’s right – not just an ‘update’, we’re now talking about completion of this 13km on-and-off-road, low stress bikeway between Port Adelaide and the Adelaide City CBD! The PortBUG first surveyed the O/H Greenway route in 2005. Now, after 12 years of constant lobbying and advocacy, completion of the last sections of the Outer Harbour Route are within sight! The Greenway is now more-or-less continuous between the Port and Queen Street, Croydon. Apart from a small ‘wiggle’ on the city side of David Trc, Kilkenny the only sections of the route that remain incomplete are between South Road and Park Trc.

The PortBUG recently caught up with representatives from the 2 major projects involved as well as staff from DPTI for an update. Here’s what we found out:

• Torrens-to-Torrens Project (T2T): This South Road redevelopment project will build a shared-use overpass (see above) over South Road, extending the O/H Greenway as far as Coglin Street, Bowden. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.

The T2T Overpass (in brown) – main ramp to Coglin St & ‘dog-leg’ ramp to McInnes St.

• Torrens Junction Project: This rail line redevelopment project will take the Greenway from East Street, Bowden all the way to an underpass at Park Trc and thence on to the Adelaide Parklands bikeways. This new section of the Greenway will run parallel to a new Bowden rail station. Scheduled for completion by early 2018.
• ‘Bowden Link’: This is the section of the Greenway between the two projects above. It will run from Coglin Street, eastwards through the old ‘gasworks’ site, over a new bikeway bridge at Chief Street to link up with the Torrens Junction section at East Ave. Scheduled for completion by early 2018.

We are told that all of this information will shortly be available at the DPTI Greenways website.

2.  Levels Bikeway Action: Correspondent Luke Oswald has recently expressed some concerns to PA/E Council & to PortBUG regarding the efficiency & continuity of the Levels-City Bikeway along Galway Ave, Clearview.

Luke said: “Having to stop at so many intersections between Regency and Grand Junction Roads in Broadview and Clearview was a big disappointment and a disincentive to continue using this route with my bicycle. I imagine I wouldn’t be the only bicycle user to have those thoughts…”.

PA/E Council has now indicated that a Local Area Traffic Management plan is scheduled soon for the Clearview area with opportunities to review such issues then. PA/E will undertake short-term action to address issues Luke has identified re. the island in McLachlan Street (intersecting with Cookes Road). You can see the issues that Luke has raised here along with some suggestions he has offered to Council.

If you also use the Levels-City Bikeway and would like to raise any concerns please contact PA/E Council here (attention: Zak Valiff). Please let the BUG know of your concerns as well.

Outer Harbour Greenway Closure: Gibson St to Park Trc, 4th-20th Jan. 2017.

The PortBUG is advised that – as part of the new DPTI Torrens Rail Junction Project – the pedestrian crossing at the Park Terrace level crossing and the section of the Outer Harbor Greenway between Gibson Street and Park Terrace will be closed between 4th & the 20th of January, 2017.

From early January DPTI will undertake works to relocate the boom gates and associated traffic signals at the level crossing on Park Terrace in Bowden. To ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety around our work site, they will close the pedestrian crossing at the Park Terrace level crossing and the section of the Outer Harbor Greenway between Gibson Street and Park Terrace.

Detours for bicycle users will be via:

• the nearby Port Road crossing
• the pedestrian crossing on Park Terrace near Fourth Street or…
• the Gawler Greenway underpass under Park Terrace.

Advance notice signage will be installed today with further directional signage prior to the works starting.

The Project Information Line relating to these works is 1300 582 071.

New Bicycle Repair Station – Semaphore. Image: Courtesy PA/E Council.

Click to enlarge.

Port Adelaide/Enfield Council have installed a new Bicycle Repair Station at Semaphore, located adjacent to the kiosk, playground and Coastal Way Bike Path. Details here.

The station offers a variety of high quality tools including a number of wrenches, Allen keys, screw drivers etc. There is also what looks like a pretty decent track pump and a stand on which you can hang your bike (if it has a top-tube).

The station is a trial by the Port Adelaide/Enfield Parks & Gardens Department & we’re sure they’d appreciate your feedback here or by phone to 8405 6600.

Bikeways Brunch THIS SATURDAY: The Best Investment in Coffee & Crepes You’ll Make This Year!

BISA has been working to make sure Frome St – and all future Bikeways – are good for all cyclists.  ACC is pulling out the stops for this weekend’s Bikeways Brunch (9-11am), showcasing its sample treatments for how future Bikeways might look.  (Invitation attached).  Apart from coffee, crepes and kids’ activities, they’re adding a bike acrobat, City Bikes, cargo bikes, and EcoCaddy transfers from the CBD.

More importantly, BISA yesterday confirmed that chalk and mock-kerb (= timber sleeper) versions of their high-quality design samples will be available to allow cyclists to try the designs at real-life travel speeds and while passing others.  These are temporary installations and will be there this Saturday ONLY.

ACC’s Bikeways project may well set the standard for SA and the next time to try will be when it’s built.  So even if you’ve already visited, please make the effort to join us out there to judge ACC’s efforts, and pass the message on.  If you do/don’t like what might get rolled out in our state, now is the time to make sure co-funder DPTI knows.

This is about our cycling future.

Regards, Fay Patterson, MAITPM

Chair BISA. chair@bisa.asn.au  0409 284 165

1.  BUG Update: The PortBUG has been busy! We recently met with Council staff for an update on the implementation of the PA/E Bike Plan. News is encouraging with a number of projects to be finished in the coming months. More details in a coming update. The BUG has also made a detailed submission to Council’s Rosewater LATM (a new Local Area Traffic Management Plan). This input is important because the development of new bikeways within Rosewater and adjacent Ottoway will be key to the building of the planned ‘East-West Connector’ bike-way from Port Adelaide all the way to South Road and beyond! We’ll provide more details in a subsequent post & at our website.

2.  Bikeways & Brunch in the Parklands – Adelaide Cycleways Open Day:  Adelaide Cycleways? Well Adelaide CBD’s cycleways anyway! Come & see what the fuss is about this Saturday 10^th Dec from 9am! Adelaide City Council will be showcasing its sample road treatments on Saturday, with coffee, crepes and kids’ activities.
 The Bicycle Institute (BISA) has been working on making longer trial sections available on the day to give a better idea of how well these designs will work. So even if you’ve already visited, join them at the old netball courts off Anzac Highway to judge how ACC & BISA are doing.

3.  Round the World Cyclist in Port Adelaide: Come & hear round-the-world cyclist, Jeremy Scott talk about his adventures.

Jeremy has overcome major heart problems in childhood to ride his bicycle 52,000km around the world and through 29 countries along the way.

• When: Saturday 10^th December, 2pm – 4pm.
• Where: Port Adelaide Library, 2 Church Place, Pt Adelaide.

Jeremy’s book will be available for sale (and signing) on the day. Light refreshments provided.

4.  Belfast Shows Us How It’s Done! Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard, shows that he understands the multiple benefits of new Greenways for Northern Ireland: Chris recently stated:

“When looking at the economy .. we continue to talk… about moving cars. We need to talk about moving people. Moving people in and out of Belfast city is good for business; moving cars is not.”      Perhaps some lessons here for our own State & Federal Governments!

5.  Big News – Victoria Also Sets an Example for S.A! (from David Worth, STCWA) ‘The Victorian Government has established Active Transport Victoria (ATV) to promote the benefits of walking and cycling in that state.

• Active Transport Victoria will take the lead and become the contact point for all cycling and pedestrian projects.
• Active Transport Victoria will work with local councils and communities right across Victoria to better coordinate the planning of infrastructure, and ensure projects are built where they are need most, and delivered on time.
• It will also put active modes of transport such as walking and cycling front and centre, better connecting them to the broader transport network.
• ATV will work with VicRoads and the TAC to prioritise and invest in infrastructure that keeps cyclists and pedestrians safe through the Victorian Government’s $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund.

Impressive stuff eh! More information here. Meanwhile – we have to ask ‘where is South Australia’s own long-overdue State Bicycle Plan…?’

6.  What’s Old is New Again: Expect to soon hear renewed proposals for a ‘by-pass’ on the Coastal Path at the Palais at Semaphore. Meanwhile…

Outside The Palais & Semaphore Bathing Pavilion in the 1930s, nearly 90 years ago. In the old days there was plenty of room to safely perambulate in your finery – or even hunt for Pokemon Go!

See you on the Bike-Way in 2017!

The PortBUG wishes all Port Adelaide Bicycle Users a great Christmas and New Year!

Semaphore Sojourn: This easy 15km late afternoon ride along Adelaide’s foreshore will travel on the shared-use path from Semaphore to Outer Harbour and return. It’s suitable for all types of bikes. There will be a coffee & refreshment stop afterwards.

When:  Sunday, 11th December, starting at 4pm.

Where:  Meet at the Clock Tower on the Semaphore Foreshore at the end of Semaphore Road, Semaphore.

Contact: Nigel on 0431 838 735

Cycle Salisbury offers support for those wanting to enjoying cycling. The City of Salisbury has partnered with Bicycle SA to encourage a more active and healthy community. Cycling can increase stamina and physical fitness, improve cardiovascular health and contribute to weight loss. It helps the environment and is a low cost way to get around & is a great social activity for the family or a group of friends. There are no bookings for the Cycling Salisbury Group Rides – just be at the Ride location before the advertised start time.

Cycle Salisbury 2016 Rides Program.

Sustainable Regeneration in Practice: Places for People. Two public presentations by the Australian Institute of Architects with the Port Adelaide National Trust & PA/E Council.

#1.  Sustainable Regeneration in Practice: Lessons Learnt:  Professor Helen Lochhead from NSW will share the lessons learnt in design from cities around the world and include examples of her own projects in Sydney. This talk will highlight the key principles that underpin many successful strategies and projects that deliver multiple benefits to the place and the people.

#2.  (sub)Urban wins – inclusive design and the public realm:  Tim Conybeare, the Studio Director at ASPECT Studios, has gained some valuable insights into what makes an engaging public space and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to delivering great places, having lived and worked across Australia. Drawing on insights from a few key projects, Tim’s talk will illustrate the values and inherent delight in working this way.

When:  Saturday 5th November, 2016, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Where:  Port Adelaide Masonic Centre, 142-150 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide.

Cost:  FREE!  But please register at https://aostalk3.eventbrite.com.au

Architecture on Show is an initiative of the Australian Institute of Architects and made possible by the generous support of the Port of Adelaide National Trust and City of Port Adelaide Enfield. More details here.

On 9^th September the Hon Ian Hunter, Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation released the Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve Coast Park Indicative Alignment. A copy of the consultation report can be found here with the full consultation summary here. The PortBUG will consider the route outcome at our October meeting and would welcome your comments.

Please Come… or Donate!  On Friday 28th of October the Bicycle Institute (‘BISA’) will hold its annual ‘Wheels of Fortune’ Quiz Night.

BISA have kindly agreed to make the evenings Silent Auction a fundraiser for the PortBUG! 

So you can support BISAs bicycle advocacy work by attending the Quiz Night and you can support the PortBUG by donating items for the Silent Auction!

Inspired by PortBUG!

The PortBUG is an entirely voluntary community-based coalition. We don’t have much of a formal structure and we certainly don’t spend much time worrying about money matters, membership etc. We focus entirely on getting a better deal for all bicycle users across the Port Adelaide/Enfield Community!

However… some minor funding would be handy for small projects such as:

• some printable illustrated maps for the Outer Harbour Greenway route
• paying the very modest annual fees for our website
• perhaps even creation of an ‘app’ to assist Greenway users.

So… if you’d like to come to the Quiz Night to support the work of both the Bicycle Institute and your PortBUG  please contact Katie: phone 0411 479 458 or email katie@bisa.asn.au

Grange? ‘Yes please’!

If you’d like to donate items for the Silent Auction please contact Sam at portadbug@gmail.com before Oct. 14th. Items do not have to be bicycle related, although it would be nice if they were! A restored vintage bike? Some nice vintage parts? Maybe some Tour Down-Under memorabilia…?

Non-cycling items could perhaps include a nice bottle of wine from your cellar, something you’ve made, a collectable book or poster – anything that might be suitable!  

Please contact Sam at portadbug@gmail.com.

Spring is here! And ‘yes’, regrettably it’s been 3 months since our last post back in May. Your BUG has been super busy with bike matters & now we have time to breath! Spring is here too which means sunny bike riding! Here’s some of what we’ve been up to:

1.  Liaison with Transport Minister:  We wrote to Minister Mullighan in August to offer encouragement for some of his current bicycle policies (particularly the ‘1 metre’ rule & ‘bikes on footpaths’) & to encourage increased funding in 2017-18 for longer-term bicycle projects. We also had a nice cup of tea with the Premier & Minister at a recent ‘community cabinet’ in the west at which the the Minister yet again assured us that a new State Bicycle Strategy would soon be available for community consultation. We await the Minister’s announcement…

2.  Meetings with Council:  The BUG met with Mark Withers, the Port Council’s new CEO to discuss our common ambitions for a more actively mobile community. We were very pleased to note the high priority that Mark placed on both the Council’s engagement with the community in all matters and the systematic& comprehensive implementation of the Council’s new Bike Plan! The BUG also met with PA/E transport staff to discuss this implementation, the new bike projects the community might expect to see emerge year-by-year & opportunities for the BUG’s participation therein.

St Vincent St bike lanes.

3.  Reduced Bike Lane Operation Times:  We provided a submission to Council regarding proposed changes to bike lane operation on St Vincent Street. The Council has proposed that the afternoon operation of the northern-side bike lane (between the Nelson Street and Commercial Road junctions) be reduced by 1 hour from 4-7pm to 4-6pm. The Council argues that traffic levels do not meet guidelines required by the longer operation time. They also note that adjacent businesses are demanding increased on-street parking late in the afternoon. However on the information available the BUG was unable to support this reduction as the section of bike lane in question is narrow and already frequently obstructed by parked cars and a bus stop. However the question is clearly something that Council has to grapple with. Our submission noted some of the complexities that we feel require their careful attention. We’ll keep readers posted regarding the outcome.

4.  Inner Harbour Issues:  Following a presentation to the Port Environment Forum, the BUG wrote to RenewalSA detailing a number of active transport issues we feel should be considered in planning the recently announced Inner Harbour housing redevelopment. In particular we noted the likely impact of increased motor traffic on existing roads, parking space and general amenity. We pointed to the need for careful & specific planning to anticipate these impacts and strongly encouraged a complementary Active Transport Strategy for the Inner Harbour. We understand Council is now planning a Local Area Transport Management (LATM) study for the Port CBD.

Proposed new Northern Greenway – Port Adelaide to Mawson Lakes.

5.  New ‘Gillman Greenway’? BUG members have conducted an initial ‘on the bike’ route survey for a new Greenway route we have proposed between Port Adelaide & Gillman, Wingfield, Dry Creek & Mawson Lakes (including connections to the proposed new Northern Connector bike path, the Salisbury bike network & the Gawler Greenway). The BUG will conduct further survey work prior to providing recommendations to Council. The map at the right shows our proposed new route (outlined in green).

Port Adelaide’s Inner Harbour.

6.  Goodbye Shaun:  The Port Council has lost the services of it’s Bicycle Officer, Shaun Dewaal who is off to Melbourne to further his career and be closer to family. It’s been really great to have a dedicated ‘bicycle’ position on Council staff whom we (and you) can directly liaise with and who could take on a key active transport coordination role. We wish Shaun all the best in his future work and hope that the Bicycle Officer role can be filled as soon as possible.

Ring Your Bell – Spring is Here!

BI(SA)  AGM Reminder:  The Bicycle Institute is SA’s peak community-based bicycle & active transport advocacy organisation. They are holding their AGM next week – in the evening on Tuesday 31st. Special guest will be Stephen Mullighan, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. The Bicycle Institute welcome all those interested in the future of bicycle use in Adelaide & S.A to come and:

• hear first-hand of the Government’s agenda for bicycle use in S.A
• put your questions to the Minister
• show that bike riders are willing to stand up and be heard!

Let’s turn up to support the Minister & the Government to be brave & lend your voice for bicycle innovation & change.

BI(SA) AGM: Tuesday 31 May, 6:30pm, The Joinery (‘the old bus station’), Franklin Street Adelaide.