Mike Turtur Bikeway in Wayville falling apart, but no one will take responsibility

THE popular Mike Turtur Bikeway is in a state of disrepair – but neither the local council nor the government will take responsibility – directing complaints between authorities.

A BIKEWAY in Wayville is in a state of disrepair – but neither the local council nor the government will take responsibility.

A paved stretch of the Mike Turtur Bikeway in Wayville has progressively deteriorated to the point where riders have complained of punctured tyres.

Bumps and dips also caused large puddles during winter.

But both Unley Council and the Transport Department have denied ownership of the path.

In an email to a resident who had complained about the state of the path, a staff member from the safety division of the Transport Department said it came under the care of the council.

However, Unley Council stated on Facebook the path was government-owned.

Wayville resident and regular Mike Turtur Bikeway user Jennifer Bonham said the state of the path had to be addressed “immediately”.

Wayville resident and cyclist Jennifer Bonham. Photo: Mike Burton

“It’s beyond not pleasant and it’s getting to the point now where if you aren’t familiar with the path and you don’t know where the tree roots are and which bits you have to take extra caution, that does become risky,” Dr Bonham said.

“It’s one of our most heavily used bicycle routes in the city and especially going into the city itself.”

She also believed the track would need to be widened in the future to accommodate the large number of users, including pedestrians, during peak times.

Cyclist Danny O'Mahoney stopped using the Mike Turtur Bikeway at night because it was too dangerous. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

Unley acting mayor Peter Hughes confirmed to the Eastern Courier Messenger that the Mike Turtur Bikeway was government-owned.

He said Unley was looking for a solution to the stand-off.

“(The) council is currently in the process of forming a joint agreement with DPTI in relation to shared pathways, including the Mike Turtur Bikeway,” Mr Hughes said.

“The agreement will clearly outline the responsibilities of both DPTI and the City of Unley in relation to the maintenance and replacement of all assets along the shared pathways, including the pathway surface.

“Until the agreement is finalised, DPTI holds responsibility.”

He hoped the agreement would be finalised by the end of August.

The Transport Department did not respond before presstime.