Stuff Helmet Discussions - This is what needs to be fixed

Most of us would be aware of the new "Super Schools" being built in SA.

Yesterday on a ride out north I rode past the new one just off GJ Road. I have driven past it many times on the way to family and never noticed this.

It has one access road, Briens Road. There is a footpath and two lanes each way. What is completely non-existent is a Cycle lane. How on earth are we supposed to encourage young people to ride to school when we can even provide infrastructure to ride on. In fact I cant even see somewhere to park a bike at all.

The Footpath is not signposted as a shared path, therefore can't be ridden on if you're over 12.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on May 14, 2012 at 17:16

School website here:

http://www.rmsc.sa.edu.au/

Interesting that there is very little information about how to get there and where to park. A bus timetable is available and a link to google maps. No map of the playing fields which is usually handy for parents from other schools who are coming for a competition.  But there is info about the specialist cycling program.

Permalink Reply by heather on May 14, 2012 at 18:17

Michael, well spotted. Who has the knowledge to write to authorities?


Hon Grace Portolesi MP, Minister for Education and Child Development

Phone: 8226 1205. Office: 9th Floor, Education Building, 31 Flinders Street, ADELAIDE SA 5000. Postal address: GPO Box 778, ADELAIDE SA 5001. Email: from http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/ministers/hon-grace-portolesi-mp.html

Department for Education and Child Development

web http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/portal/aboutdept.asp?group=Aboutdept&...

Permalink Reply by dave gomer on May 15, 2012 at 13:46

I am the Cycling Coach @ Roma Mitchell Secondary College. There is indeed undercover and fenced bike racks for the students to access. I have arrangements for students in the Specialist Cycling Programme.

The road access is pretty average for cyclists, Brien's Rd is narrow and has no bike lanes. I come from the south so use the Levels Bikeway most of the way and only have to ride on Briens road for 100 mtres or so. I'd find a different route if I came from the north. I don't know why you would ride on Brien's road or any main road if you didn't have to. There is a good bike path behind the school which links up with the Levels Bikeway, I often leave school this way, a bit of off road needed!

Permalink Reply by Rob W on May 15, 2012 at 13:52

The problem for me is access across GJ road in the afternoon. I used to use the bike path, but after being blocked in by traffic for more than 10 minutes one afternoon, i'd had enough. I brave Briens road now both ways.

Permalink Reply by Jilden on May 15, 2012 at 13:55

Is there a back gate or do you have to ride down the side fence? It seems like an easily fixed oversight. A pedestrian lights crossing on Grand Junction Road would help too.

Permalink Reply by Rob W on May 15, 2012 at 14:00

I have heard that a pedestrian crossing was initially planned on GJ road, but due to traffic flow it was never going to happen.

Permalink Reply by Jilden on May 15, 2012 at 14:03

How about a pedestrian overpass then? Lobbyists, front and centre please!

Permalink Reply by heather on May 15, 2012 at 15:09

A pedestrian overpass requires much space and is far more expensive than a pedestrian crossing, so probably will not happen. I think Rob might be saying that a lot of vehicles and authorities did not want to hinder traffic flow. So Active Transport, cyclists and safety of vulnerable road users ignored, although government pretends that it supports all three.

Have been trying since 1996 to get safer crossing of Fitzroy Terrace for cyclists and pedestrians. 47,500 vehicles per day including large trucks on this freight route that cyclists cross to get to the CBD.

Permalink Reply by Edward @bikeadelaide on May 15, 2012 at 18:02

Amazing that we are so backward. "Traffic flow" seems to be more important than a safe place for people to cross the road. Paradoxically, aiming for traffic flow at the expense of all else leads to the opposite. You just get more congestion.

Permalink Reply by heather on May 15, 2012 at 21:44

Edward, totally agree. Fred Hansen might agree too.

The URA replaces the old Land Management Corporation (LMC) with elements of Housing SA and Defence SA . . . The URA replaces the old Land Management Corporation (LMC) with elements of Housing SA and Defence SA. – Adelaide Review, May-2012 http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/article/1510
Like a broken record, it’s got to be pedestrian friendly, you have to be able to get to the parkland and you have to be able to get over Port Road in way that makes you feel comfortable and safe. – Adelaide Review, Dec-2012, http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/article/472

When Transport 'upgraded' the intersection of Fitzroy Terrace – Churchill Road, I asked for a pedestrian activated lights at the left slip-stream into Fitzroy Terrace, examples on Grand Junction Road. Told no, even though authorities had observed that vehicles come fast around that corner, and do not give way to pedestrians and cyclists wheeling bikes, even though required by ARR. So I asked for a cyclists - pedestrian activated crossing of Fitzroy Terrace, between bikedirect Braund Road and the shared paths of the parklands, for cyclist commuters heading towards the CBD. This had been budgeted for in 1996 but never installed. Transport told me NO, “cannot slow the traffic”. Totally unaware that bicycles are also traffic and no consideration for cyclist safety. Transport had observed that vehicles entering from the left slip-lane have left indicators on, but usually move right into the next one or two lanes. Cyclists cannot predict the right moment to safely cross multi-lane Fitzroy Terrace. When peak hour traffic from the west slows, then vehicles enter from Braund Road and block cyclists again. Then back to the next phase where vehicles stop for red lights half a block away, but obstruct the bicycle passageways in breach of ARR. I asked for painted 'keep clear' on the bicycle passageways but this also vetoed by Transport.

ACC wants to “strengthen” the inner ring route to discourage cars from entering the CBD. However, it will make it more difficult and less safe for cyclists and pedestrians, which in turn will discourage Active Transport and encourage more to drive into the city. When you respond to the ACC draft Integrated Movement Strategy, due 8-Jun-2012, please point this out. Cyclists MUST have actuated crossings where bikedirect routes intersect the inner ring route.

Permalink Reply by Mark H on May 15, 2012 at 20:22

I wished they would put keep clear markings on the road accross the T-Junction. It would provide a clearer view of traffic in all lanes without having to move between stationary cars, and shouldn't impede traffic flow.

Unfortunatelly according to the DPTI docs it seems they can't be put on the topside of the T-Junction.

Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on May 15, 2012 at 18:49

I cycle Hampstead, Briens and Bridge Road in either direction from time to time and have never had a problem, but I did note the lack of bike lane by the school and with all the expense of all those road works I thought how dumb it was not to put in a cycle lane.

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