Wider path or new bike lane considered for Mike Turtur Bikeway upgrade
A damaged and deteriorated section of the Mike Turtur Bikeway has long troubled cyclists riding into the city. Now two plans to upgrade it have been revealed.
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The deteriorated final stage of the Mike Turtur Bikeway is set to be upgraded next year in the hope more cyclists will use the path.
New designs for the project along King William Road up to Greenhill Road have been revealed by Unley Council.
Research by the council has found that nearly three quarters of all morning peak hour cyclists who ride along the King William Road stretch of the bikeway – which runs from the city to Glenelg – use the road instead of the path.
Two options have been put forward to improve the bikeway: An on-road separated bike lane or an improved pedestrian and bike path.
An on-road separated lane would operate in a similar way to the bike lane on Frome Street in the city – with a concrete kerb between the road and the bike path.
More pedestrian crossing and a “bike box”, which allows cyclists to take priority at the lights, would also be installed.
Bus stop one on King William Road would also be relocated.
If the current shared path were to be retained, it would be widened to 4.5m to allow more room for both cyclists and pedestrians.
It is currently as narrow as 2.5m in some parts.
Dozens of trees would also be planted under both options.
The paved stretch of the 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.
An upgrade of the path between Musgrave Street and King William Road is already set to begin early next year.
A report by Unley city design manager Ben Wilsmore said the Mike Turtur Bikeway was an “important” part of the area’s cycling infrastructure and had prioritised for an upgrade.
The proposals have been sent out for public consultation.