More are getting on their bikes (Adelaide)
By, Tom Bowden, The Advertiser
Damien Hall rides is one of a growing number of cyclists who enjoy riding to work each day. Picture: Dean Martin
WHETHER to save money on petrol or to get fit - more people are riding bikes into the city.
Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Department figures show daily cycling commutes rose more than 50 per cent in the past five years, from 6153 in 2006 to 9443 last year.
Transport Minister Patrick Conlon said the increase of bike infrastructure made Adelaide the perfect city for cyclists.
"The increase comes as no surprise considering the improvements and extensions the State Government has made to the metropolitan bike network," he said.
"Whether or not you choose to ride, everyone enjoys the benefits of cycling as fewer cars on the road means reduced congestion and pollution."
The Bikedirect network's shared-use paths, bike lanes and sealed shoulders have expanded by 76 per cent in the past five years from 604km in 2006 to 1062km last year.
Damien Hall, of Frewville, rides his bike into the city each day for work and said Adelaide was a good city for cycling.
Mr Hall, 27, said the Tour Down Under had made car drivers more aware of cyclists but said bike lanes could get busy during peak-hour traffic.
"It's easy, but you just have to be wary of morning traffic, but most of the time it's pleasant," he said.
"I generally fill up my car once a fortnight so I'm saving massive amounts of money on fuel and you keep your weight down and feel healthier as well."
He said cyclists needed to be better educated and encouraged to keep to the left of the road.
"People that have made the transition from driving a car to riding don't have the awareness that they need to stay to the left so they need to be taught, so maybe something like a booklet or some ads on the television might be a good idea because people don't always signal," he said.
Mr Hall said motorists should give cyclists at least one metre of space and said cyclists frequently were forced into the kerbs by absent-minded drivers.
He also said the infrastructure to support cyclists was good but needed to be better maintained to reduce punctures.
Dated - 15.03.2012
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