Election 2018: Frome St bikeway extension to River Torrens part of $300m push to improve bike safety

A FROME St bikeway extension is among 10 priority bike routes that need funding, says one of the state’s peak cycling lobbies.

Katie Gilfillan poses at the corner of Grenfell St and Frome Rd. The institute wants the Frome St bikeway to be extended down to the River Torrens. (AAP/ Keryn Stevens)

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THE controversial Frome St bikeway should extend to the River Torrens, as part of a $300 million pitch by a key cycling body to improve bike safety.

The Bicycle Institute of SA says lengthening the track will provide riders a safe and scenic corridor through the CBD.

Institute vice-chair Katie Gilfillan said there should be greater protection for cyclists on routes to schools, work and public transport stops.

“Better cycling infrastructure reduces conflict on the road,” she said.

“Drivers get frustrated with bikes but every bike rider is one less car in front of them.”

The Frome St proposal is among a list of 10 priority “cycling routes” identified by the institute that requires up to $75m worth of funding from the State Government.

Ms Gilfillan argues the metropolitan cycling strategy should be directly funded by the elected State Government, including $10 million a year to be spent on local bike infrastructure.

“We need a rapid and significant increase in investment, $75 million a year for four years is needed to kick start cycling in SA,” she said.

“Parties are making big promises for new infrastructure but where is the funding for cycling? To get more people riding, a future government needs to get serious about investment in a safe cycling network.”

Among suggested cycling builds and upgrades is the North Tce route; Winston Ave bikeway to Daw Park; Greenway from Ascot Park to the Flinders Medical Centre and the connection between the Crafers bikeway and the Bikedirect Network.

But the proposed Frome St upgrade is sure to ignite fresh criticism from traders, residents and motorists.

The separated bikeway was laid, then ripped up and replaced, to accommodate traffic after criticism of its design.

The council recently replaced a section at Carrington St, while the State Government has installed a new section of the Frome St bikeway between Pirie and Grenfell St.

An East-West bike route through the city is also planned under a 50 per cent funding deed between the Adelaide City Council and State Government.

Local Government association executive director of public affairs, Lisa Teburea, said councils collected just four per cent of taxes, and in SA managed $22 billion of public assets.

“This makes asset management a critical responsibility for the sector, and one which requires fair and equitable access to funding,” she told The Advertiser.

“The LGA would welcome any new or additional State Government investment in local infrastructure, including funding for cycling related projects.”

To improve the safety of cyclists on major arterial roads, the institute also called for resurfacing of bike lanes.

Another initiative was reducing road speeds to 30km/h through intersections.

Originally published as Election 2018: Frome St bikeway extension to River Torrens part of $300m push to improve bike safety