Cyclists feel uncomfortable on SA main roads without bike lanes and the RAA wants safety addressed
Most cyclists feel uneasy riding on main roads without bike lanes, according to a new survey, calling for a bicycle-only link to cut through the CBD.
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More than eight out of 10 cyclists feel uneasy riding on a main road without bike lanes, according to a survey from the RAA, which wants greater infrastructure to improve safety.
South Australia’s peak motoring body is calling for the East-West Bikeway – a dedicated safe route between East and West terraces in the city – to be delivered after repeated delays since 2016.
The RAA survey shows 55 per cent of respondents believe there is insufficient infrastructure and almost two-thirds (63 per cent) say they would be encouraged to start riding, or cycle more, if there was a “greater connectivity between bike routes”.
“Increased cycling participation will have a positive impact on reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, as well as improving the safety of those riding bikes,’’ RAA safety and infrastructure senior manager Charles Mountain said.
The survey of more than 1000 cyclists also shows:
96.5 PER CENT feel comfortable using an off-road bike path.
46.2 PER CENT feel comfortable on a main road with bike lanes.
15.6 PER CENT feel comfortable on a main road without bike lanes.
It also shows about one in 10 cyclists already use their bikes to avoid traffic congestion and reduce fuel expenses.
Mr Mountain said the survey also showed people felt safest when riding on dedicated bicycle paths.
“The provision of continuous cycling routes, particularly those that can provide separation from traffic, are safer and will ultimately encourage more people adopting cycling as a means of travel,’’ he said.
“Cycling infrastructure is the missing piece to encourage more people to ride bikes and that’s why we are looking for greater investment from all levels of government, and calling for the East-West Bikeway across the city to be delivered.”
Annie Gant, 27, of Goodwood said she enjoyed cycling during the warmer months.
“I’m lucky that I live near the Mike Turtur Bikeway because I feel much safer riding away from all the traffic,’’ she said.
“If there were more dedicated bike tracks then I’m sure more people would ride to work or for fun.’’