Bicycle and pedestrian access to airports

 Dear Adelaid Cyclists

Brisbane Airport is fast becoming a black hole for walking and cycling. With a few exceptions, the poor facilities and lack of consideration for cyclists and pedestrians seems to be a common issue at many airports in Australia. Airport authorities have little interest in active transport users. They are not required by local town planning regulations or state policies to provide for active transport users. 

 

Brisbane Airport BUG has been lobbying the federal transport minister for better bicycle and pedestrian access to Brisbane Airport for workers and airport customers.  We are thinking about making this a National campaign as many airports around Australia seem to suffer from similar lack of provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

 We would be interested to hear about the provision ( or lack of it ) for cyclists and pedestrians at Adelaide Airport.  Can you walk and / or cycle to the airport workplaces and terminals ? Is the route signposted?  Does the airport provide information on it’s web site for people travelling to the airport by bicycle? Are there bike lanes/ paths?  Is there bike parking at the Airport for travellers? Is secure and undercover bicycle parking available? Are there showers available?

Regards

Mitch Bright

Convenor Brisbane Airport BUG

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Permalink Reply by rossmg on October 14, 2012 at 18:37

Adelaide Airport has just had a significant car park upgrade with a multi-story facility put in with a fly-over pedestrian bridge linking the terminal and car-park. I have not cycled there since the new facilities were opened but have been there in a car to pick up utilizing the drop-off/pick-up zone = very temporary parking.

Road access has not really changed and the last time I cycled there (a few months ago) it was ok as far as I am concerned. Wide roads which compared to the general road network were not "scary" to cycle on - Note: I am very used to "difficult' road conditions from the point of a cyclist.

I do not remember any bike-lanes.

I do not remember any bike-parking facilities other than handy poles here and there (which work for me just fine).

The web-site is:- http://www.adelaideairport.com.au/

Nonetheless, cyclist access to airports around Australia seems a sensible consideration. Last time I went there by bike was to see a sibling off. On a tangent, I work in the taxi industry (I don't drive) and more and more people are taking bicycles to the airport. A bike in a box will typically fit across the back seat with the (only one) passenger in the front. Have never heard of people cycling to the airport, dismantling their bike(s), boxing and checking in - however what an idea! It would also be another revenue raiser for the airport - sales of bike boxes and/or rent of tools for dismantle. Just an idea.

Permalink Reply by Brisbane Airport Bicycle Users on October 14, 2012 at 19:06

Thanks for the info Rossmg. Good to see Adelaide airport have info on their web site regarding bicycle parking. I couldn't find any route info or if the parking is secure.

We often get enquiries from people who want to ride to the Brisbane  airport and leave their bike somewhere safe until they return. ( often just overnight or over a weekend). Currently there is no undercover or secure ( i.e. cage ) parking for bicycles at Brisbane Airport although the new carpark does have some bike hoops outside – but exposed to sun and rain and not in a secure area.  There is no mention of parking facilities for bicycles on the Brisbane Airport website or directions to the bike parking area.  We hope to get this changed.

Regarding flying with bicycles, I see   Christchurch airport NZ has bicycle rack for assembly of bicycles: 

http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/en/airport-information/informa...

Mitch

Permalink Reply by heather on October 14, 2012 at 20:02

rossmg, my bike packed in a Ground Effect bike bag would not fit across the back seat of Mike Brisco's* large car. A well-known taxi company said they would not take packed bikes in a station wagon. I took the front wheel and front rack off; left the rear wheel and rear rack on.

*I went to the bike co-op to prepare my bike for travel and learn packing it.

Permalink Reply by rossmg on October 15, 2012 at 0:13

We advise that a station wagon will not work - however a "standard" car should when in a bike box and only a single passenger who sits in the front. Frankly, a bike should fit in a station wagon with both wheels off. Station wagon taxis have anti-intrusion grills installed - no folding rear seats down. Greasy chains etc would be an issue.

A bike in a "regular" box "should" fit across the width of a "standard" taxi - gotta love quotes ;-)

Permalink Reply by heather on October 14, 2012 at 19:48

Think you will find interesting this AC discussion, Bike parking at Adelaide Airport?
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/forum/topics/bike-parking-at-adelaide

I posted there on 18-Jun-2012:
I have drafted a letter to Adelaide Airport Management Centre, airport@aal.com.au. Before I email it, I would appreciate feedback, e.g. have bicycle lockers been installed?
In 2011 there were plans to upgrade Adelaide Airport. Unfortunately there are still no bicycle lockers, as provided at some train stations and bus stops.
In 2011 I flew interstate with my packed bicycle and suitcase. Travelling with 'oversize' luggage required me to be checked-in two hours before departure. The only flight between the two capital cities was early morning. My neighbour with van was willing to take my bike to the airport, but understandably not at such an early hour. My packed bike would not fit in a sedan. A taxi company would not take my bike in a station wagon. Fortunately at the last moment someone with a van offered to take me to the airport. If the Adelaide Airport Management thought to install bicycle lockers, my neighbour would have got my packed bike to the airport during the day, leaving me to make my own way before dawn the next day.
I know a person who wanted to cycle to the airport to catch a plane. Possible when travelling lightly with backpack and/or panniers. However, there was no secure bicycle lockers for the five days her bike would be left at the airport. Cars can be locked securely with alarm and ignition cut-out. A bicycle lock can be manipulated, a chain cut, or items removed.
Why has Adelaide Airport Management overlooked providing adequately for passengers using bicycle transport?
In early 2014 interstate and international professionals who cycle will be in Adelaide for a world-wide cycling conference. This is expected to bring many tourism dollars. Adelaide City Council's budget for its Bike Plan has been increased markedly. It would be unfortunate if Adelaide's cycling reputation was let down by its airport.

I posted there on 28-Jun-2012:
Today I received the following response from management. It appears a good time for other cyclists to write now in support. Will you?
The issue of secure bike storage at Adelaide Airport has not been raised in the past as far as I’m aware. However, I agree with you it’s a service we should consider providing.
With the upcoming opening of the new car park facility at the airport we are currently reviewing our baggage storage options for customers. I will include the suggestion to consider bicycle storage as part of the review and put forward the idea to our facilitations management group for investigation.
We do aim to ensure we offer the best possible service to our customers and I would see this option as an improvement to our existing facilities. At this stage I am not in a position to say whether bike storage facilities will be provided or not. However, I can assure you I will raise the idea with our management team.

Permalink Reply by Bicycle Fish on October 15, 2012 at 10:12

"....I do not remember any bike-parking facilities other than handy poles here and there (which work for me just fine)..."

I try to avoid attaching my bike to handy poles myself, as they tend to inconvenience other people ( cyclists and non-cyclists alike). They are particularly inconvenient ( when combined with a bike) for visually impaired people. In a high-security environment like an airport, They are a menace from a public safety PoV, distracting security personnel from more important tasks ( yes, really) such as ensuring our aviation system is secure. In short, part of the problem, not the solution. 

FWIW : I'd be very surprised if there are not enough "short stay" bike racks at the new parking lot to cater for the demand, tho I realise this forum will be pleased only when they are Gold Plated.

As to "long stay" bike parking, I can see a [limited] need for that, and i'd like to see it, perhaps on a semi-user-pays basis - which would make it quite expensive even so .I very much doubt that many cyclists would be prepared to pay the "real" costs of such a service.

And yes, the AP management should provide helpful information for the benefit of travellers with bicycles, that wouldn't be hard.

I wait for correction of course, as I have not visited the 'new" airport.

Cheers and Happy Cycling / BF

Permalink Reply by Brisbane Airport Bicycle Users on October 22, 2012 at 11:56

Your Lord Mayor, Stephen Yarwood, gave a presentation at Bike Futures Conference in Melbourne last week. He mentioned that Adelaide was to host the VeloCity Conference in 2014. 

I asked him if conference delegates would be able to ride the short distance from the Adelaide Airport on a safe, direct and convenient cycle route from the Adelaide Airport to the CBD?  He said of certainly they would be able to.   Afterwards I spoke to one of the Mayor's transport staff who said he had made a note of my question and would look at bicycle access to the Adelaide Airport.

Mitch

Permalink Reply by heather on October 22, 2012 at 12:51

Mitch, there is a bicycle lane from the Adelaide Airport to the CBD, although some of it might be peak hour. You can download Transport DPTI cycling maps at
http://143.216.32.82/subject/Transport%2C+travel+and+motoring/Cycli...
The maps do not indicate which bicycle lanes are peak hour only or the operational time which can vary a little.

I coordinate Adelaide BUG and can vouch that Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood and some ACC staff actively support cycling. They receive the BUG News that I produce each month. The ACC bicycle infrastructure budget has been tripled for the next 3 years, so expect some fruition by May-2014.

I posted on your discussion that I earlier contacted Adelaide Airport asking for bicycle lockers to be installed during the current upgrade. I knew of bicycle preparation facilities but now that you have provided a link in nearby NZ, will contact management again.

No photos on the NZ link. Can you provide photos from airports around the world?

Permalink Reply by heather on October 15, 2012 at 10:34

Brisbane Airport
http://www.bne.com.au/
FAQ
Parking and Transport
Q. I work at the airport and would like to know where the bike racks are located.
A: There are bike racks located on Level 5 of the International Terminal car park. At the Domestic Terminal, bike racks are located on the ground level of the multi-level car park (P1). There are six stainless steel barriers in this location and they are not under cover. For more information on cycle paths at Brisbane Airport click here. (link to cycle path map) [But no link provided.]

The management appears not to have 'got it'. Think bicycle parking is only for airport workers. Parking not under cover. Info under FAQ is missing link.

What about secure bicycle parking in lockers for travelling cyclists?

Permalink Reply by Brisbane Airport Bicycle Users on October 15, 2012 at 19:35

Thank you for the feedback on Bicycle Parking at the airport.  Heather here is a pix of the new bicycle parking at Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal Carpark.  It is really hard to find as there is no signage or map.  I thought about leaving my bike there whilst I flew interstate for a few days this week, but it is not under cover and I wouldn't be confident my bike would still be there when I returned.   Mitch

Permalink Reply by heather on October 15, 2012 at 19:44

Three documents on designing bicycle parking:
-- Australian Standards AS 2890.3
-- Often known as Austroads, Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice: Part 14 – Bicycles, 2nd edition, published by Austroads and Standards Australia in 1999
-- The updated version of Austroads, about 2010

I find it interesting that the new facilities do not meet standards.

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