Bike SA calls for ‘pop up’ cycling lanes to help cyclists maintain social distancing during coronavirus pandemic
SA’s cycling lobby wants the number of traffic lanes on key roads reduced to give cyclists more space for social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you think?
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Cars should make way for cyclists on key roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bike SA says.
The group is lobbying state and local governments for at least one lane on arterial roads to be turned over to cyclists during the global health crisis.
Bike SA chief executive Christian Haag said as more people cycled to avoid public transport and maintain fitness, wider bike lanes would also help pedestrians, drivers and cyclists maintain social distancing requirements.
Mr Haag said all tiers of government should address “changing community needs” and keep riders safe.
“For pedestrians and cyclists – and with a near halving of the number of motorists on our roads – a greater share of our road network that allows pedestrians and bicycle riders to safely distance themselves is an increasing priority,” Mr Haag said.
“We see this as an opportunity for our governments – state and local – to provide the same proactive social-distancing strategies by increasing the amount of road space to cater for the increased number of people riding for transport and recreation.”
He suggested temporary “pop-up” bike lanes as cost-effective measures across all council districts.
Under Bike SA’s proposal, the far-left lane of an arterial road, often used a clearway, could be removed to make cycling lanes wider.
Parking could also be removed to allow for more space.
“Investing in this infrastructure is very low cost and provides exceptionally high return on investment, primarily through public health savings,” Mr Haag said.
Pop-up bike lanes have been used during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, New York and Vancouver.
Bicycle Institute of SA chairwoman Katie Gilfillan has written to the State Government also asking for pop-up lanes during the pandemic to cater for the growing number cyclists.
“We think governments around South Australia, like they have around the world, should be jumping on temporary infrastructure to support people wanting to ride,” Ms Gilfillan said.
However, Transport Minister Stephan Knoll was not convinced by the proposal.
“The State Government will review Bike SA’s proposal, but there is no appetite for a proposal that would remove a lane of traffic that would cause more congestion, increase travel times and create bottlenecks around Adelaide,” Mr Knoll said.
Adelaide City Council trialled a pop-up bike lane on Pirie and Waymouth streets for a day earlier this year.
Adelaide City councillor and cycling advocate Helen Donovan supported Bike SA’s bid during the current health crisis.
“Why not use the space differently when the conditions are different?” Cr Donovan said.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said it was too early to reallocate road space until there is a “clearer understanding of what the road network demands will be as restrictions are progressively relaxed”.
“We should continue to work towards completing sections of cycling network that are currently incomplete,” he said.
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