Cyclists and pedestrians will get safer, smoother paths and trails thanks to a record investment by the Marshall Government into local cycling projects.
A record $3.2 million will be tipped into the State Bicycle Fund grants program in 2021/22 to partially-fund 34 projects across metropolitan and regional South Australia valued at $8.6 million overall.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said the State Bicycle Fund has been beefed up from $790,000 last year.
“This record investment is fantastic news for the many thousands of South Australians who love cycling across our beautiful state,” Minister Wingard said.
“In total, 16 councils across South Australia will receive funding subsidies from the State Bicycle Fund to support and enhance cycling in their local areas.
“Successful projects include new and improved shared paths, new road crossings, route wayfinding, road safety improvements and new bicycle lanes.
“This investment is part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s continued focus on encouraging safe and healthy neighbourhoods by promoting active living.
“Through our Game On initiative, we set a goal to increase physical activity levels of all South Australians to reduce the burden on our health system.
“By providing safe riding environments, we’re helping to encourage more people to jump on their bikes providing important health, social and environmental benefits.”
The State Bicycle Fund council project grants are in addition to other South Australian Government cycling initiatives, including:
- The $25 million Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass project (jointly funded by Australian and South Australian governments), which will support 115 jobs and deliver a shared-use bridge over the Goodwood Railway Station.
- The Greenways Program, which has a $2.35 million funding allocation in 2021/22 and involves upgrades to the dedicated walking and cycling routes alongside public transport corridors or linear open spaces.
- $5 million worth of improvements to the strategic cycling network in inner and middle Adelaide, with programs on arterial road crossings which link up to local government ‘bicycle boulevard’ routes and continue the development of Greenways across metropolitan Adelaide.
