visit raa.com.au
Commuters will be out on their bikes today for National Ride to Work Day – as RAA renews call for a $10m State Bicycle Fund to build more cycling infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
Bike lanes and paths are set to be busier during the morning and afternoon peak periods – prompting a reminder for drivers to take extra care and look out for vulnerable road users, especially where bikes and cars interact on the road.
As part of its recent State Budget Submission, RAA has called for the State Government to commit $10m per year to a State Bicycle Fund – to improve safety and encourage more cycling as a mode of transport by closing gaps in existing bike infrastructure around Adelaide.
RAA’s recent Risky Rides survey of cyclists found that gaps in dedicated bike lanes and paths are the major concern for prospective riders, with 56% saying they do not feel safe to share the road with drivers.
According to the National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey 2023, 12.7% of South Australians cycle in a typical week – the second-lowest of any Australian state or territory.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said more people choosing to cycle instead of drive helps to improve health and environmental outcomes, and reduces congestion on our roads.
“At RAA we want to advocate for safer roads, as well as safer and more sustainable communities,” Mr Mountain said.
“Ideally, we would like to see more physical separation between cyclists and motor vehicles, which provides far greater benefit than a cycle lane alone – which requires a significant investment in infrastructure.
“Bike lanes that end at or near intersections also increase danger to cyclists in locations where there is already heightened risk of a crash.
“The State Government should be investing more to encourage cycling as a mode of transport and $10m a year to improve infrastructure and safety would help to achieve this.
“Cycling can be a great mode of transport, especially for shorter journeys – it’s cheaper, cleaner and often doesn’t take any longer than driving when you consider the time needed to find a park.
“Currently most cyclists in Adelaide tell us they don’t feel safe when they’re forced to share busy roads with drivers – our most recent Risky Rides survey found 30 per cent of cyclists have been knocked off their bike by a vehicle and 94 per cent have experienced a close shave.”
In January 2024, the SA Government announced a $2 million cycling fund which will support 27 projects to improve cycling infrastructure across 20 councils. RAA believes this level of funding will not be sufficient to perform the work required to enhance the appeal and safety of cycling throughout South Australia.
For more on RAA’s Risky Rides survey visit Risky Rides – Advocating for safe roads and paths for cyclists | RAA