Eight cyclists seriously injured and 170 fines issued in SA Police’s Tour Down Under crackdown

The dangerous side of the Tour Down Under has been revealed, with eight people seriously injured during the event’s massive annual cyclist influx.

Eight people have been seriously injured and one killed after an influx of cyclists on SA’s roads during the Tour Down Under.

Police slapped almost 170 cyclists with fines during Operation Safe Cycling, which ran from January 9 to 22, amid the annual TDU-led increase in the number of cyclists on SA roads.

Of the 458 interactions between the police and public during the fortnight, 171 expiations were issued – 167 to cyclists and four to drivers.

An additional 270 cyclists and 17 drivers were hit with cautions.

The cyclist fatality during the operation was SA Police assistant commissioner Paul White, who was killed in a tragic crash on Portrush Rd on January 17.

TDU riders in Aldgate during the 2020 event. Picture: Keryn Stevens

SA Police said another eight cyclists suffered serious injuries during the TDU period.

Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch, said police cracked down on both cyclist and driver behaviour during the operation.

Supt Gray said the statistics highlighted the vulnerability of cyclists on the road.

“They invariably come off worst if involved in a collision with any other vehicle,” he said.

“Both cyclists and drivers need to be aware of each other, actively look for each other and share the road safely.”

In 2022, three cyclists died on SA roads, while 58 suffered life-changing injuries and another 400 suffered other injuries.

“What we’re saying is it’s not just the cyclists responsibilities, it’s everybody’s responsibility,” SA Police assistant commissioner Ian Parrott said.

“We’re already seeing extra cyclists on the road at the moment. What we’re hoping this year is that the cyclists actually obey the road rules as well.”

Motorists have been reminded to leave a safe 1m gap for cyclists on roads under 60km/h, or a 1.5m gap when travelling above 60km/h.

“What I say to cyclists is be courteous of vehicles on the road,” Asst Comm Parrott said.

“If you don't need to double up go single file in the hills so you can let cars and other vehicles get past easily rather than causing unnecessary frustration.”