In the past few months there has been a flurry of exciting activity at the local government level around Adelaide and in regional South Australia. It is encouraging news for cyclists of all persuasions and we, as a community, should be sure to both acknowledge and utilise these developments. 

CITY OF ADELAIDE

In January, Adelaide became the first council in mainland Australia to commit to a bike subsidy scheme when it adopted a proposal to offer residents and businesses rebates for the purchase of e-bikes or standard bikes. 

At its January 30 meeting, the council voted to support Councillor David Elliott’s motion to develop the parameters for bike-purchase subsidies as part of the Sustainability Incentives Scheme. It also voted in favour of council celebrating World Car-Free Day in September which is a welcome development.

The details for the subsidies were announced in April. Through the Incentives for Sustainability scheme, the council is offering a 20 per cent rebate up to $500 on the purchase of an e-bike for commuting purposes and 20 per cent up to $1000 for an e-bike conversion kit or a cargo or e-cargo bike.

One priority of the council’s draft Integrated Climate Strategy is to “triple the number of city workers who cycle to work and double the number of local residents who walk to work by 2030”. Council’s endorsement of Cr Elliott’s motion is a huge step towards achieving those numbers.

CITY OF HOLDFAST BAY

The City of Adelaide declared its intentions first but soon after, Holdfast Bay leapfrogged them by bypassing the proposal and simply launching their own e-bike subsidy scheme. 

Through the Green Living Rebate Scheme, residents can claim a $300 rebate on the purchase of an e-cargo bike or a $200 rebate on a standard e-bike.

E-bikes are just one of more than a dozen items that receive a council subsidy via the scheme and households and businesses can receive one rebate per financial year on one of the items on the Green Living Rebates list.

If you have taken advantage of either of these councils’ schemes, we’d love to hear about your experience. Email us at office@bikesa.asn.au. 

CITY OF BURNSIDE

In April, Burnside finished the public consultation phase of its citywide Bicycle Network Plan. The intention of the plan is to deliver a safer bicycle network and encourage more people to ride their bikes. 

Importantly, Burnside is putting together an overall long-term vision that can then be gradually implemented. Considering active transport support across the whole council area, the plan also includes a focus on inter-council connectivity.

Bike SA will closely follow the progress of this work. 

WILL EYRE PENINSULA BE THE NEXT BIG THING FOR BIKE TOURISM?

KIMBA: The District Council of Kimba is in the early stages of discussions about a proposed “Outback to Ocean” cycle trail. 

The vision for the project – which for now is still a feasibility study – is for a sustainable venture aimed at attracting gravel riders (but presumably also suitable for MTB riders) on a trail from Kimba through the spectacular Gawler Ranges National Park then south to the breathtaking Southern Ocean views at Streaky Bay.

The council’s Economic Development Manager, Mel Garibaldi, said it had been considering the concept of the trail for some time. When we spoke in March, she said they had engaged a consultant who will ride and explore the territory, assessing the possibilities.

The plan cannot help but invoke comparisons with the 500km Walk the Yorke cycling and walking trail that is already proving enormously popular. Bike SA is excited by possibility of another cycle tourism/adventure/bikepacking opportunity in South Australia, and we applaud the Kimba Council for their creativity and drive in proposing such a venture.

CLEVE: The District Council of Cleve has identified areas in its region with great potential to host MTB events. They are investigating the possibility of developing an “extreme sports” event to attract tourists to the region from interstate and even overseas.

Already, on 20 April, they hosted a thrilling, free gravel biking event called Peak, Pedals & Pints at nearby Darke Peak. With the choice of three routes – 29km, 60km or 120km – the day gave participants the opportunity to explore a unique corner of Australia they may not have ventured into before.

Cleve Mayor, Phil Cameron, said the inaugural event was a great success and now their cycling plans are returning to the potential of MTB events. They aim to establish trails on Carappee Hill and the Darke Range, both of which they consider “idyllic locations for mountain biking”. 

“Carappee Hill boasts the highest point on the Eyre Peninsula, with striking scenery and rocky outcrops,” Phil said. “We envision developing an intricate MTB trail network catering to riders of all abilities.”

PORT LINCOLN:  Port Lincoln mountain bike enthusiasts face the prospect of losing their most popular MTB venue – Fort Hell – to development with few opportunities available to them to ride elsewhere. Bike SA has had productive contact with the Port Lincoln City Council and we will keep you updated about any developments as they occur.