RAA has issued a reminder to South Australian road users to prioritise safety as cyclists converge on Adelaide for the Tour Down Under.
The cycling event, which runs Jan. 17-26, is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and draws participants of all ages and experience levels. The event also comes amid concerns over a rise in serious crashes involving cyclists on South Australian roads.
RAA reported that between 2020 and 2024, 24 cyclists died and 408 sustained serious injuries in crashes across the state. This represents a 29% increase in serious cycling incidents compared to the five years prior.
Data from 2019 to 2023 showed that Adelaide’s CBD accounted for the highest number of cyclist fatalities and serious injuries (27), followed by Henley Beach (10), Montacute (8), and Glenelg, Belair, and Unley (6 each).
Charles Mountain, RAA’s senior manager of road safety, said that while the Tour Down Under showcases Adelaide as a cycling destination, it also places more riders on the roads, making safety a shared responsibility for cyclists and drivers.
“Cyclists should use bike lanes wherever available, keep to the left, and not ride more than two abreast,” he said. “Drivers must allow a minimum passing distance of one metre on roads where the speed limit is 60km/h or slower, and at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists on roads where the speed limit is greater than 60km/hr.”
He further noted that crossing single or double white lines is permitted to overtake cyclists, but only when the path ahead is clear of oncoming traffic.
In light of rising crash statistics, RAA is renewing its push for the South Australian government to commit $10 million annually to a State Bicycle Fund aimed at closing gaps in cycling infrastructure.
The initiative, included in RAA’s 2024 State Budget Submission, is intended to improve safety and encourage cycling as a practical and sustainable mode of transport.
RAA’s “Risky Rides” survey revealed that 56% of cyclists feel unsafe sharing roads with vehicles, citing insufficient bike lanes as a primary concern. Additionally, 30% of respondents reported being struck by a vehicle at some point, while 94% had experienced close encounters with cars.
Mountain stressed that while some progress has been made through projects like the Frome Street Bikeway and the planned Flinders to City Bikeway, more investment is needed. He said that enhancing the city’s cycling infrastructure would not only improve safety but also reduce traffic congestion and encourage healthier, environmentally friendly transport options.
“More people cycling instead of driving helps to reduce the pressure on our road network, improves health outcomes, and is better for the environment,” he said.
South Australia currently has one of the lowest cycling participation rates in Australia, with the National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey 2023 reporting that just 12.7% of residents cycle weekly.
Ahead of the cycling event, RAA has issued guidance for drivers and cyclists to ensure safety on the roads.
For all road users, RAA suggested exercising patience and mutual respect to reduce the risk of accidents.