Coronavirus, Safe Exercise

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (29 April 2020).

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment): The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government has advised:

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government wrote to Mr Stephen Hodge, Director, National Advocacy of We Ride Australia on 18 May 2020.

The South Australian government supports cycling for its economic, environmental and social benefits. Over time, it is endeavouring to provide a comprehensive network of bicycle routes consisting of paths, backstreets and arterial on-road bicycle lanes. These will provide for a diverse range of people that choose to cycle, whether for transport or recreation.

I am advised that the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) takes an integrated multi-modal approach to transport and land use planning, which considers the state's key challenges and objectives, and balances the needs of all road users within the funding available.

DPTI works to make cycling and walking safer and to optimise travel times, where appropriate, by providing:

low traffic, low speed environments for cycling and walking

safe and convenient road crossings

smooth pavement and sealed shoulders

space specifically for cyclists, including continuous designated and dedicated road space or paths; and

priority for cyclists.

All major road projects take cycling and walking components into consideration. New and improved cycling and walking infrastructure is being built around the state each year to help support active travel and enable people of all ages and abilities to be active in the community.

Through the Capital City Committee, DPTI is working with the City of Adelaide and contractors to develop a 20-year strategy that will inform future transport projects in and around the Adelaide CBD. The strategy's objectives include:

Deliver safe and community-centric outcomes to move in and around the city.

Address growing network congestion and infrastructure investment to increase efficiency and maximise asset use.

Improving network access and connections to/from and within the city.

Delivering a fully integrated network approach for active travel, public and passenger transport, and personal vehicle users.

Supporting city and business growth in one of the world's most liveable cities.

In encouraging more people to ride bikes and be active, DPTI:

Administers the State Bicycle Fund. South Australian local councils can apply to DPTI for funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the development and implementation of suitable cycling initiatives. These may include the development of local area strategic bicycle plans and cycling networks, constructing on-road cycling lanes or off-road cycling paths, bicycle parking and the promotion or cycling and cycling facilities.

Promotes Cycle Instead, which works as an interactive journey planner for bike trips. It shows the Bikedirect network across metropolitan Adelaide so riders can quickly choose the most direct and comfortable route for their journey using secondary roads, bike lanes, shared paths, greenways and bicycle boulevards.

Promotes South Australia's network of cycling trails which cater to all levels and abilities.

Delivers the Way2Goprogram, working in partnership with local councils and primary school communities across the state to improve the safety of children and families as they walk, ride and scoot for school journeys.