Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson wanted a bike path built down the Port Rd median strip. Source: adelaidenow
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THE State Government has ruled out a proposal to build a bicycle path down the middle of Port Rd because it would be too expensive.
Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt and Adelaide City councils have met with the Transport Department to discuss the idea, which would have involved cyclists riding next to wetlands proposed for the strip.
But a report to this week's Port Adelaide Enfield meeting said department staff "suggested that provision for safe crossing of the 42 side roads" along the strip, would make the proposal too costly.
As reported by adelaidenow.com.au, Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson has been pushing for a two-way bike path down the centre of the busy corridor, from the Entertainment Centre to Port Adelaide.
Bicycle user groups previously voiced concerns that the number of intersections would make it impractical and unsafe.
They instead wanted the government to follow through on a promise to build a cycle path alongside the Outer Harbor railway line and away from main roads, as part of a $12 million Greenways project for new cycleways across Adelaide.
Mr Johanson also backed that idea as an inexpensive option that "could be done virtually instantly".
However, he still favoured the Port Rd path as a long-term option and hoped it would happen in the future.
Mr Johanson did not know how much it would cost, but said it "should be very little extra" to build a path alongside the wetlands planned for Port Rd as part of a major stormwater project.
"Let's give cyclists a wonderful destination and the ability to cycle as safely as possible, from the city to Outer Harbor on the Greenways path," Mr Johanson said.
"But let's continue to look at whether the Port Rd median strip can be a tourist destination in its own right, so you have wetlands, eating areas and barbecues alongside a dedicated bike lane."
A Transport Department spokeswoman said the Greenway project was "a preferable option, both on cost and practicality".
She said the route would link in with a bike path being built St Clair, and crossings at the busiest roads were being designed.
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