Major plan for Linear Park could separate cyclists and walkers

CYCLISTS and pedestrians would have separate lanes and about $1 million would be spent on additional lighting under a raft of new proposals for part of the River Torrens Linear Park.

Tea Tree Gully Council is planning to address roads which lead to nowhere in River Torrens Linear Park. Picture: Ben Cameron

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CYCLISTS AND pedestrians would have separate lanes and about $1 million would be spent on additional lighting under a raft of new proposals for the Tea Tree Gully side of River Torrens Linear Park.

An unknown number of “conflict points” on the pathway – where cyclists are likely to converge with pedestrians – would be removed according to recommendations in an internal report presented to last week’s Tea Tree Gully Council meeting.

The council will also consider spending $1 million to light its section of the entire riverside pathway.

Installing more toilets and playgrounds has also been proposed.

The as yet uncosted plans include removing “disused terminating paths”, such as a 70m stretch from the main path east of Mahogany Ave installed for a proposed bridge which has not been built.

The next step in the process is for council staff to submit feasibility reports on possible park improvements, expected next year in time for the 2018/19 council budget.

Councillor Peter Field, who is keen to see a list of potential projects drawn up by the middle of next year, said during last week’s council meeting lighting the entire stretch of the river track would not come cheap.

“It’s a lot of money,” he said.

“One idea, a hypothetical, just a proposal, is to have a lane for each (pedestrians and cyclists).

“We could remove blind turns ... widen areas.

“We need to get some indicative prices and make sure we don’t duplicate what other councils are doing.

“It (the park) has a lot of tourist potential.”

The council report targeted “pinch points” – junctions and corners where possible conflicts might happen between cyclists and walkers.

Park furniture would also be audited, with some either obsolete or in poor condition.

It’s understood seven park benches and two seats could be upgraded for $11,000.

Cr Robin Coleman supported the plans during the meeting, saying the park was “one of our greatest assets.”

Bike SA chief executive officer Christian Haag last week welcomed a possible duplication of Linear Park.

“This valuable transport and recreation corridor is a terrific success story, sending a clear message to local councils that when they invest in high quality separated cycling infrastructure, it delivers greater flexibility in people’s transport choices,” he said.