Overall, approximately 4 million Australians ride a bike for recreation or transport per week. In South Australia, 18 per cent of all residents use this form of transport.

In the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, over 10 per cent of all daily journeys are made by bicycle, and in some cities the share is much higher. By comparison, Australia’s modal share is 1.5 per cent of commuter journeys.

In 2006, the Safety in Numbers: A Cycling Strategy for South Australia 2006–10 strategy was implemented to try to increase the safety, convenience and attractiveness of cycling as a priority when actions and decisions were being made in areas such as transport, planning, health, recreation and tourism.

Through the now-closed strategy, new partnerships across state and local government, peak cycling bodies, industry, cyclists and the community were made to provide appropriate infrastructure and further develop the cycling culture in South Australia.

Objectives of the strategy included:

  • Effective planning and coordination for cycling
  • Comprehensive cycling networks and facilities
  • Safer cycling
  • Successful promotion of cycling.

A push for new initiatives

The South Australian Government recently dedicated more than $1.3 million in funding to promote cycling initiatives across the state. South Australia Transport Minister Patrick Conlon says that the funding is aimed at improving conditions for cyclists, and supports cycling in a state dedicated to encouraging ‘green’, sustainable transport.

“The State Government has a huge focus on providing cyclists with a safe environment in which they can travel – this includes improving infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Conlon says that 14 councils across South Australia will receive the funding, sourced from the State Bicycle Program and the State Black Spot Cycling Program.

The funding will provide councils with the opportunity to fund projects that support and enhance cycling in their local areas, and will see the development of bicycle lanes on local and arterial roads as well as the construction of shared-use paths.

“If we continue to encourage more people to ride, we will help to reduce congestion on our roads and reduce the impacts vehicles can have on the environment,” Mr Conlon concludes.