BICYCLE INITIATIVES

The Hon. R. WORTLEY (14:57): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Road Safety a question about cycling initiatives.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R. WORTLEY: I understand that more bicycles than cars are sold in South Australia and that there are approximately 450,000 cyclists in the state. Will the minister outline the state government's commitment to safety initiatives?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:57): Today is a particularly important day to highlight the government's involvement in improving cycling conditions. This morning I attended the Ride to Work Day function in Victoria Square, and I was pleased to see the large number of riders embracing the opportunity to leave their car at home. I have to say that I did not ride, but I am pleased to say that the Hon. Mark Parnell did ride his bicycle this morning, representing this chamber. As well as being an affordable and environmentally-friendly mode of transport, cycling is also an excellent way in which to keep fit. For those cyclists who are undecided about making the switch from driving to cycling, the state government has released a new handbook entitled `A simple guide for everyday cycling'.

The Hon. R. Wortley interjecting:

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The interjection behind me reminds me that Vinnie Ciccarello (the member for Norwood) was there this morning also—and she does ride every day. In fact, even bike riders who consider themselves veterans on two wheels may find some useful information in the simple guide for everyday cycling. I would certainly urge all cyclists to ensure that they are across all safety measures and the responsibilities they have. The handbook includes the road rules plus tips on riding in traffic and on bike paths, along with information about parking and security, bikes on trains and even shopping for a bike.

The state government is committed to improving the safety and convenience of cycling through a constantly evolving cycling network and infrastructure improvements. Since coming to power, the Rann government has committed $1.8 million for improving conditions for cyclists across South Australia, under the State Black Spot Program, which was established for cycling in 2005-06. We have expanded the length of bicycle paths (by 48 kilometres) and bike lanes (by 118 kilometres) in Adelaide's bicycle network Bikedirect. We have funded $1 million worth of projects under the Green Cycle Path initiative, including the Coast to Vine Trail and the Glenelg tramway route, and we have provided councils with access to $2 million for planning and improving cycling networks through the State Bicycle Fund.

The government is also conducting awareness campaigns of how cyclists and drivers can contribute to improving cycling safety, as well as providing bicycle education for schoolchildren through Bike Ed. Bike Ed is a national bicycle education program provided to South Australian primary school students aged nine to 13 years. Recently, the government awarded Bicycle SA the contract to deliver the Bike Ed program over the next two years. The aim is for the Bike Ed program to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of the roads and traffic environment and appropriate road laws; to enable the development of physical and cognitive skills; and enable the development of responsible behaviours, attitudes and decision making. There will be 42 Bike Ed programs delivered over the two years: 30 will be delivered in the metropolitan area and 12 in the rural areas. Of these, 10 will be delivered this school term. The state government takes cycling seriously and has a number of ongoing initiatives and approaches for improving cycling safety. The handbook A Simple Guide for Everyday Cycling is available at Service SA centres, and will be at most libraries and bike shops in the coming weeks.