Ambulance drivers raise concerns about safety risks linked to Frome St bikeway

THE contentious Frome Street bikeway is posing safety risks for ambulance drivers as they struggle to navigate the narrow city road, union claims.

THE contentious Frome Street bikeway is posing safety risks for ambulance drivers as they struggle to navigate the narrow city road, it has been claimed.

The ambulance union has told The Advertiser the newly upgraded road in the city’s east end, had created a “major problem” for drivers.

Paramedics are concerned about difficult road access and associated congestion problems, according to the Ambulance Employees Association of SA.

Association secretary Phil Palmer said drivers had raised concerns about access, which, he added, posed a safety risk and also said officers were not consulted about the changes.

He said: “Concerns have been raised with us. We are concerned about the barriers as they make life more difficult for ambulance drivers.

“We are not opposed to bike lanes we are just opposed to concrete barriers, which don’t allow drivers any flexibility.

“It could potentially slow down a response while they find ways around the traffic and bike lane. There is an inherent risk.”

The intervention will reignite the debate that has raged between motorists and cyclists and renew calls for the cement blocks that separate cars from cyclists to be ripped out.

The Frome St bikeway has reduced two traffic lanes to one, in each direction to allow for kerbside bike lanes.

Adelaide City Council, which is behind the project, has also invested significant money on garden beds, bicycle parks and lands.

The newly-opened bikeway has delighted cyclists for making their journey safer but frustrated motorists who say traffic congestion is worse.

An independent review is being undertaken into the merits of the bikeway after the driver backlash.

Officials are investigating the bikeway’s use by cyclists, its effects on traffic congestion and wider community impacts. There are plans to extend the lane along the entire street.

Alex Antic, a city-based commercial lawyer seeking election to council, said locals had raised concerns about the bike lane’s width. He renewed calls to have it widened.

”I have spoken to many residents and business people in the area who all share concerns that it blocks traffic,” he said.

“It is a safety issue for ambulance drivers. I have heard of cars driving up the [barriers], cyclists being caught up, it is causing confusion. I don’t think it is working for either motorists or cyclists.”

The council has previously rejected calls from Councillor Anne Moran to allow four traffic lanes on Frome St at peak times between Carrington and Pirie streets.

A council report rejected the idea as it would require a complete overhaul of the bikeway and cost $500,000 in new works.

But Andy Hillier, the SA Ambulance Service driver development unit instructor, said the organisation was “not aware of any specific issues” regarding access.

He said paramedics and ambulance officers received expert driver training and ongoing development to help them make safe decisions when negotiating traffic.

“When travelling to emergencies - as with any other drive - ambulance staff constantly assess road and traffic conditions and if the situation demands, may use any safe section of roadway to progress through traffic,” he said.

In May, up to 3000 cyclists converged on the area for the bikeway’s official launch.

Daniel Bennett, the council’s city design and transport program manager said they had yet to

contacted by the emergency services in regards to their concerns.

“But we welcome them getting in touch and we would be more than happy to discuss their concerns with them and talk through how we can best address them,” he said.

“Emergency services were involved during the design phase of the project and in an emergency situation, are able to use the bikeway if needed.”