Cyclists flooded the new Frome Street bikeway this morning to demonstrate support for its opening.

Wildly divergent claims were made about the numbers of cyclists who rode the controversial separated bike lanes: SA Police estimated there were between 150 and 200 people; Bike SA said there were more than 1000 cyclists and Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood guessed there were between 2000 and 3000.

Sharyn of Kent Town told InDaily she was on her bike to find out what it was like to use a bike lane separated from drivers by concrete and parking spaces. She usually uses the unseparated Pirie Street bike lane.


“It feels a lot safer than when it’s just a line protecting you,” she said.

“I’ve run in to about five friends, we’ve all had a chat, everyone’s happy; there’s something to be said about the endorphins that bike riding and commuting to work actually does for you.”

Stephen Yarwood stopped off to tell InDaily this morning’s ride had made him “the happiest Lord Mayor in Australia”.

“Huge turnout this morning. And just great to have so many cyclists say a sincere thank you,” he said.

“The only negative feedback I’ve had from cyclists is ‘we want more’.”

But some riders had their reservations about the lane.

“Personally I’m not a big fan of this surface,” said Ross Callow.

“I think it attracts a lot more glass and debris so I get a lot more flat tyres, but it’s good to have an area that’s designated safe for cyclists.”

Critics of the bikeway say it will increase motor vehicle congestion on Frome Street, but Yarwood said cyclists on the bikeway meant less cars on the road.


This morning’s ride, he said, was “an active demonstration that it’s not going to create congestion, but on a day like today, when the sun is shining, it’s generally is going to reduce congestion”.

Last night, Adelaide City Council agreed to an independent review of the bike lanes in six months. It will examine the bikeway’s impact on traffic flow, safety, pedestrian movement and surrounding streets.

Yarwood said the review was normal procedure for new infrastructure such as the bikeway.

“We are committed to monitoring it, making sure that it works, making sure that it’s safe not only for cyclists, but also for pedestrians and vehicles,” he said.

“Once the numbers come back over the next few months, we’ll look at it and we’ll work out whether we got bang for buck.”

Yarwood cut off his interview with InDaily to join Opposition Leader Steven Marshall’s ride along the bikeway (his office later said his presence didn’t necessarily represent support of the bikeway, but was part of a pre-arranged ride with media personality Keith Conlon).

Bike SA CEO Christian Haag said the main problem on Frome Street this morning was “bicycle congestion”.

“It was a clear celebration for all those that arrived to experience the bikelanes for the first time,” he said.

“We certainly have every expectation that infrastructure like this will achieve its goal of getting more South Australians riding.”

He said the separated lane provided cyclists with greater safety.

“This sort of infrastructure sucks people in who are not riding because their primary concern is the real or perceived risk of the road environment,” he said.

“We know 60 per cent of Australians would ride more if they thought it was safe to do so.”

Help our journalists uncover the facts In times like these InDaily provides valuable, local independent journalism in South Australia. As a news organisation it offers an alternative to The Advertiser, a different voice and a closer look at what is happening in our city and state for free. Any contribution to help fund our work is appreciated. Please click below to donate to InDaily. Donate here Powered by PressPatron

Share Linkedin Email