Council review of slow points on Sheoak Rd, Crafers

Hi all,

the Adelaide Hills Council is undertaking a review of the speed bumps/slow points  that they installed along Sheoak Rd.

 

Some months ago, I posted on AC that the council had made such changes to those speed-bumps that they had the potential to cause damage to bicycles or injury to cyclists, as the ramps were really steep, nearly like riding into a curb.

 

The council recently sent out the attached fact sheet and survey to local residents of Sheoak Rd. They are reviewing what needs to be done with those slow points now, as some people thought they were an additional hazard in a bushfire scenario.

 

I personally don't agree with the bushfire issue, but think the slow points should also accomodate the needs of cyclists.

 

If you often ride along Sheoak Rd, Crafers, on your bike and have an opion on those slow points, I would encourage you to fill out the survey and sent it to the Adelaide Hills Council. Strictly speaking, the survey is restricted to residents, but I doubt that the council would ignore the opinion of those who have valid reasons to make their opinion heard due to concerns for their safety.

 

Thanks

Rhinoswino

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Permalink Reply by Peter Jenkin on November 18, 2011 at 16:06

I ride from Daw Park to Stirling on that road. Any hints where to find the survey as I dont live on Sheoak Rd...

 

Permalink Reply by Rhino on November 19, 2011 at 15:29

Hi Peter,

 

there's a pdf attachment to my posting (easy to oversee - I had to look twice myself just then). Open that and you have got all that it needs.

Permalink Reply by David Southern on November 18, 2011 at 17:41

The biggest problem slow point along Sheoak Rd is in the Mitcham Council area.  One is located at a blind bend in the road, and presents a major hazard for all users, including CFS vehicles.

Permalink Reply by Martin Turner on November 18, 2011 at 17:57

An average day at the Adelaide Hills Council Town Planning Department starts with a designated staff member donning a blindfold and then stabbing a pin into a map of the Adelaide Hills. Where the pin ends up is where the next roundabout or set of speed humps will go.

 

Permalink Reply by Steven Orr on November 18, 2011 at 18:18

Like most speed humps they are designed to slow down motorised traffic and the poor cyclist is an after thought at best. Also as David has stated they are an issue for emergency services especially when driving fire trucks along that road which I have done numerous times...choke points and steep climb up onto the raised section is not the best method in my opinion. Causes delays for certain, but also if a fire were in that area it will definitely increase the likelyhood of an accident.

Permalink Reply by Rhino on January 20, 2012 at 8:24
Hi all,

just an update on this one: According to the Mt Barker Courier, the slow points will remain, but their design modified, and apparently there will be a shared cyclists/pedestrians path for the three slow points that are under control of the Adelaide Hills Council.

It remains to be seen whether the new design will meet the needs of cyclists and be appropriate for the road conditions, but it certainly is a step towards to the right direction: To acknowledge cyclists as traffic participants and take them into consideration.

I did write a lengthy submission to the Council at the time of consulatation, and even sat next to the road for three hours on a Sunday morning, and did my own cycling-specific traffic survey as part of my submission. I'm glad now that my efforts weren't a waste of time.
Permalink Reply by Martin Turner on January 20, 2012 at 11:21

Nice work Rhino.

Permalink Reply by Bart on January 20, 2012 at 8:59

Bugga i wish i saw this earlier! I think the slow points are a good idea, otherwise that road would be hell to ride with a lot more traffic on the road. I do think however they definately need to adapt for safer cycling along the road, i checked my wheels after riding along sheoak as some of the entry/exits are severe. I haven't ridden it for a while but there is atleast one where you can't clearly see the exit at the entry point so you dont know if anyone is coming. It will be interesting to see how these are modified.

Permalink Reply by Rhino on January 20, 2012 at 9:46

Bart,

I know the one slow point that you mean, and had problems on that one before as well in terms of motorists not seeing you. But that is a slow point under the control of Mitcham Council, and I don't think that they are reviewing their slow points at the moment. Only the Hills Council.

The Adelaide Hills Council will only work on the upper three slow points. Once they have done their modifications, I will probably bring it to the attention of the Mitcham Council, and see if they are happy to make similar changes on their slow points as part of their good-will towards cyclists.

I agree that the slow points are great in general terms, and am very supportive of keeoing them, but hope that the changes will also bring improvements for cyclists along.

Permalink Reply by Brian Jenkins (BJ) on January 20, 2012 at 10:04

Thanks Rhino, well done.  I'm only an occasional Sheoak Rd user, almost always going up and on the section after coming out of Belair NP.  I tackle the bottom section when feeling masochistic.  I'll watch with interest as well.  I'm in Mitcham CC area.

Permalink Reply by Graham Gower on January 20, 2012 at 13:01

Like speed bumps, the steep ramps on/off these slow points are a good opportunity to practice your bunny hopping.

Permalink Reply by Rhino on January 20, 2012 at 13:09

Funny that you mention it: I pointed it to the Council that bunny hopping was wide spread practise for these slow points, and even provided them with the statisitcs to back up my claim.

I only learned hopping last year, when I saw a guys in front of me doing it, and have been hopping ever since.

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