Unley Council to spend $45K fixing ‘unsafe’ section of Mike Turtur Bikeway

An inner-city section of one of SA’s busiest bike paths will be made safer under a new plan.

An inner-city section of one of the state’s busiest bike paths will be made safer under a new $45,000 plan, Bike SA says.

Unley councillors approved an off-road, four metre Mike Turtur Bikeway shared path along King William Road to Greenhill Rd.

With two options on the table, The Messenger reported in October last year if the current shared path were to be retained, it would be widened to allow more room for both cyclists and pedestrians.

It is currently as narrow as 2.5m in some parts.

The bikeway – a shared path from Glenelg to the city along the tram line – is used by over 1000 people daily, the council says.

The works will complement the current upgrading of the bikeway between Musgrave St and King William Rd – expected to be finished this month – and align with the existing shared path running through the parklands adjacent to the tram corridor.

It would also include a pedestrian refuge in the middle of King William Rd.

“(It) will provide a significant improvement to bicycle safety and access from existing facilities,” a council report found.

A design for the Mike Turtur Bikeway released last year. Image: Unley Council

A council spokesman said it would provide safer crossing opportunities for riders travelling southbound along Peacock Road, either on road or via the shared path, at the intersection of Peacock, Greenhill and King William roads intersection.

It would also allow them to “cross from east to west at the lights... rather than negotiating the unsafe merge area and crossing at the bend (in King William Road)”, the report also found.

“For the more confident bike riders travelling in the southbound direction, a buffered on-road bicycle lane is also proposed.

“It is considered that (it) will deliver a better outcome to encourage new bike riders… in particular, a safe and separated off-road bicycle facility in both directions.”

The path could also be increased to five metres where possible allowing users to comfortably pass each other.

The council said there would be a “nominal loss” of three carparking spaces on Park Lane with a bus stop to be relocated.

Works to upgrade the Mike Turtur Bikeway between Musgrave Street and King William Road are expected to be finished by June. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

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.

Research by the council found that nearly three quarters of all morning peak hour cyclists who ride along the King William Road stretch of the bikeway use the road instead of the path.

Bike SA chief executive officer Christian Haag welcomed the new addition to the popular bike path.

“While this bikeway is a major commuter feeder throughout the week, these improvements will also encourage more Adelaide visitors to take a safe and comfortable bicycle ride to and from the beach,” Mr Haag said.