‘This plan ignores everyone but cyclists’: Unley Council to review its plan to give cyclists right of way
A PLAN to give cyclists right of way over cars in Adelaide’s inner south could be scrapped after complaints from residents. One argued it disregarded “every aspect of the community other than cyclists”.
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A PLAN to give cyclists right of way over cars along a busy Unley bike route might be scrapped amid residents’ fears it would lead to more crashes.
Unley Council has asked an independent traffic engineer to review its proposal to switch “give way” signs and widen the kerb at the intersection of Porter and Young streets, in Parkside.
The changes were part of wider plan to improve cycling safety by giving riders priority along the Rugby/Porter St bikeway, which runs between Unley and Cross roads and is used by more than 700 people a day.
Young St residents were concerned the changes would encourage cyclists to speed through the intersection, increasing the risk of accidents with pedestrians and motorists.
Young St resident Kym Cherry, who fronted this month’s council meeting on behalf of his neighbours, said the plan disregarded “every aspect of the community other than cyclists”.
Mr Cherry, who works for a rubbish collection company, said widening the kerb at Porter St would make it impossible for large trucks to turn in and out of his street.
“We support the concept of a bikeway, but we want it to be safe with due regard for all parties involved,” Mr Cherry told the meeting.
Two crashes involving cyclists have been recorded at the intersection in the past five years, according to State Government figures.
Mayor Lachlan Clyne said the traffic engineer would be asked to consider “all and every possible change to improve safety”, including leaving the “give way” signs in their current locations.
The review — which the council expected to cost up to $20,000 — would be presented to councillors in June, Mr Clyne said.
The wider $180,000 plan for the Rugby/Porter St bikeway includes switching “give way” signs at two other intersections on the route and redesigning the Edmund Ave roundabout.
Mr Clyne said those works would be completed by the middle of the year.