Cyclists will get dedicated bikeways across Adelaide CBD in a $12 million investment
ABOUT $12 million will be spent on dedicated bikeways across Adelaide’s CBD — the single largest investment in cycling infrastructure in the city’s history — but the $1.6m Frome St bikeway will be ripped up. SEE THE MAP
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IT was the was answer to city cyclist’s prayers and former Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood’s baby, now the Frome St bikeway has been recognised as a $1.6 million mistake that will be ripped up.
In the largest single investment in cycling infrastructure in the city’s history, the State Government has partnered with Adelaide City Council to deliver $12 million in bikeways funding.
The project will deliver north-south and east-west bikeways in the city, invest in new cycling infrastructure and streetscape improvements with completion anticipated for 2019.
The north-south route will connect Frome Bikeway from Pirie St through to the River Torrens.
The separated bikeway, which opened in 2014 has been a thorn in both motorists and the council’s side since its inception and will finally be returned to two lanes.
For the east-west route, council and State Government will investigate options that will connect Kent Town to Mile End and consultation will be undertaken with businesses, residents and property owners adjacent to the proposed bikeways.
This includes finishing the Pirie St and Waymouth St upgrades and exploring further routes along Flinders-Franklin and Grote-Wakefield streets.
The co-funding will also provide $1 million to begin a point-to-point city-bike share scheme, where people can collect a bike at one point in the city for use and can return it to other various points, a hugely popular cycling scheme overseas.
Thee will also be plans for this to expand into the adjoining suburbs outside the city.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the works would create and extend dedicated bikeways through the city.
“These important north-south and east-west routes aim to provide high-quality routes that cater for the needs and abilities of all levels of bike riders and link inner metropolitan bike routes with key destinations in the city,” he said.
“With a new $85 million City High School scheduled to open 2019, a linked bikeway network along Frome Rd will service the cycling demands of the school and improve city accessibility for students.”
He also said that this time the project would finally get the balance right.
“Nobody pretends that the iteration that we got first up of the Frome St bikeway was perfect, it certainly wasn’t,” he said.
“I think we all recognise the perfect balance wasn’t achieved between the needs of cyclists and the needs of motorists and also the needs of some of the people in the east end. ”
Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the infrastructure would be high quality and aligned with the council’s goals to be a carbon-neutral city.
“The project substantially improves the current design of Frome St and extends and delivers a long-overdue point-to-point bike-share system in the City of Adelaide,” he said.
“The further development of bikeways routes strongly aligns with council’s objectives to deliver priority walking and cycling routes, and to work with federal and state governments to provide appropriate infrastructure and promote sustainable transport options.”
Bike SA said the significant joint investment will greatly enhance Adelaide’s livability for decades to come.
Councillor Anne Moran, who has pushed for Frome Rd to be completed over the past 12 months and became tired of waiting for government funding, said it was great to see a result.
“Finally the planets have aligned,” she said.
“Everything has to be ripped up at Frome Rd — now the money is on the table, we should get on with it and credit must be given to the Lord Mayor.
“I’m hoping we can get on with it but I want to see Frome Rd started on in the next month.”
Former Deputy Lord Mayor Houssam Abiad says the project filled the objective of the previous council but revisited the current issues with Frome St.
“For us this project fulfils the intended objective of council from many years ago with the introduction of substantial cycling infrastructure in the city of Adelaide,” he said.
“It also addresses some of the issues that have arisen from the Frome St installation ... it will also open up Frome St to two lanes of traffic and it won’t impede on the bikeway.
“This is good for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, ultimately bringing more people into the city.”
Urban Development Institute Australia SA Executive Director Pat Gerace applauded the State Government and the Adelaide City Council for working together.
“With rising urbanisation, investment in bicycle infrastructure is vital for any modern city so we welcome this expenditure,” he said.
“In addition, it is pleasing to see a commitment to improve the contentious Frome St bikeway, which will hopefully better balance the needs of cyclists and motorists without compromising safety.”