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Riders and drivers are urged to take care as the cycling community descends on Adelaide ahead of the Tour Down Under – with new data revealing serious cyclist crashes have increased by almost a third in the last five years.
Between 2020-2024, 24 cyclists tragically lost their lives and another 408 were seriously injured on SA roads – a jump of 29% in serious crashes compared to the five years prior.
Crash data from 2019-2023 shows the worst suburbs for cyclist fatal and serious injury crashes were the city (27), Henley Beach (10), Montacute (eight), Glenelg, Belair and Unley (six each).
The Tour Down Under is the biggest bike race in the Southern Hemisphere that brings cyclists of all ages and abilities to Adelaide, prompting RAA to remind drivers and riders alike to show respect and patience when sharing the road.
RAA is also renewing calls for greater investment in cycling infrastructure via a $10m State Bicycle Fund –to build more dedicated routes, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said Adelaide would be on show as a cycling capital ahead of the event between the 17-26 January.
“The Tour Down Under is a world-class cycling event and it means SA roads are set to be busy with bike riders in the coming weeks,” Mr Mountain said.
“Crash data analysed by RAA shows a significant increase in serious crashes involving cyclists in SA in recent years, so we’re urging riders and drivers alike to take extra care and share the road safely.
“Cyclists should use bike lanes wherever available, keep to the left and not ride more than two abreast.
“Drivers must allow a minimum passing distance of one metre on roads where the speed limit is 60km/h or slower, and at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists on roads where the speed limit is greater than 60km/hr.
“Drivers are permitted to cross single or double white lines to pass a cyclist, but only if the path is clear of oncoming traffic – only overtake a cyclist or cyclists when there is no oncoming traffic.”
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.
Mr Mountain said the RAA survey also found 30 per cent of cyclists have been knocked off their bike by a vehicle and 94 per cent have experienced a close shave.
“As a beautiful state for cycling that attracts riders from all over Australia and the world – and as hosts of such a brilliant annual cycling event in the Tour Down Under – we really need to be investing in more safe, protected routes across the city to make it safer for riders of all abilities to get around.
“The State Government has helped to fund welcome routes such as the Frome Street Bikeway and the planned Flinders to City Bikeway – but more is needed on an ongoing basis.
“More people cycling instead of driving helps to reduce the pressure on our road network, improves health outcomes and is better for the environment.”
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.
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