Adelaide Hills are ground zero for conflict between cyclists and motorists – but RAA study suggests how that could change

An RAA study shows significant conflict between cyclists and motorists in the Adelaide Hills – but identified potential solutions to improve safety for all.

Four in every five cyclists say riding in the Adelaide Hills is not safe, the RAA has found as part of a study that looked at hazards on more than 30 roads and intersections.

But its survey of 600 Hills residents also found poor cyclist behaviour was their most common concern, cited by 68 per cent of respondents.

That was closely followed by poor road maintenance.

The Adelaide Hills Regional Road Assessment Report, released this weekend, was also informed by consultation with other key stakeholders and crash, traffic volume and traffic fine data.

Of the cyclists among the survey respondents, 78 per cent felt unsafe. Their greatest specific concerns were sharing the road with motorists and lack of dedicated cycling lanes (both 60 per cent) and lack of off-road cycling paths (58 per cent).

The report recommends infrastructure upgrades to benefit all road users including removing roadside hazards, creating new park-and-ride facilities and building barriers to separate traffic on roads with high crash rates.

Cyclists in the Adelaide Hills. The RAA survey found 78 per cent of respondents who cycled felt unsafe on Hills roads.

RAA spokesman Charles Mountain said continuous cycling routes that separated bikes from cars were safer and would encourage more people to take up cycling.

He said use of centre line markings to encourage motorcyclists to corner more safely should be expanded, citing a big drop in motorbike crashes on Gorge Rd since they were introduced last year.

Mr Mountain said use of “active warning systems” at intersections should be expanded.

“This technology detects vehicles approaching the intersection from the side road, and automatically lowers the speed limit on the through-road to provide a safer gap for vehicles entering,’’ he said.

The report recommends lane dividers such as wire-rope centre barriers to separate opposing traffic flows and reduce head-on crashes.

A vehicle park-and-ride at Verdun Interchange is also recommended.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said road projects included improvements for cyclists, such as the project to create a sealed bike path on Childs Rd between Littlehampton and Mount Barker.

Adelaide Hills Council spokesman Peter Bice said the RAA’s recommendations were similar to needs highlighted in the council’s strategic plan.

He highlighted “works to formalise the cycle connection between Crafers and Stirling” starting in 2021.

For six years there was no progress on the major Amy Gillett bikeway until $2.6m was allocated in the Federal Budget to complete the Mount Torrens to Birdwood section.

The RAA wants the bikeway extended from Birdwood to Mount Pleasant and from Balhannah to Hahndorf to create a continuous north-south cycle route through the Hills.

It also wants works in Onkaparinga Valley at Lobethal and on North East and Gorge roads.