South Australia’s cycling network is set for another gear shift, with 18 new projects awarded funding through the State Government’s State Bicycle Fund.

Worth a total of $2 million, the latest round of funding will help local councils across metro and regional SA design and build new bike paths, shared-use trails, safer crossings, and other improvements that make it easier and safer to ride.

The State Bicycle Fund gives councils a cost-sharing boost to improve cycling infrastructure, supporting healthier, more active communities and expanding local transport options.

Local wins across Adelaide

Among the metropolitan councils receiving funding, Adelaide City Council, Norwood Payneham & St Peters, Unley, Port Adelaide Enfield, and Playford all scored support for multiple projects.

The City of Unley leads the charge with $400,000 for two significant projects:

• A sheltered right-turn facility on the Haslop Reserve walking and cycling path near Unley Primary School, improving safety for students and riders.
• Stage 5 of the Wood–Weller Bikeway, delivering a safer connection between Wood Street and Cross Road.

In the CBD, the City of Adelaide will upgrade lighting and widen a 150-metre section of the River Torrens Linear Trail west of Victoria Bridge, while also designing cycling-friendly upgrades at key intersections along South Terrace and Pulteney Street.

At the Port, new bike lanes on St Vincent Street and a shared-use path through the Gillman Railyards will strengthen active-travel links across Port Adelaide and Ottoway.

Regional communities rolling forward

Beyond the metro area, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, and The Barossa Council are each set to benefit from new shared-use paths connecting key community corridors.

In Mount Gambier, a 750-metre shared path will link the Rail Trail with O’Leary Road, while Victor Harbor’s 400-metre trail will connect Investigator College to Armstrong Road.

Meanwhile, in the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Council will construct three kilometres of shared path along a disused rail corridor between Birdwood and Mt Pleasant, a promising addition for both local riders and tourists exploring the region.

A shared commitment to safer cycling

With 12 “shovel-ready” projects now fast-tracked for construction and a further six in the design phase, the 2025-26 program will deliver tangible improvements for riders statewide.

“We’re thrilled to see local councils and the State Government continuing to invest in safe, connected cycling routes,” said Bailey Underwood, Business Services Manager at Bike SA. “Every new section of bikeway or shared path adds up to a more accessible network, one that supports everyday riders, families, and visitors alike. These projects make it easier for South Australians to choose the bike for short trips and recreation, which benefits everyone on our roads.”

Bike SA welcomes this continued investment in cycling infrastructure and congratulates the councils leading the charge to create safer, more connected routes for every kind of rider, from school commuters to weekend explorers.

2025–26 State Bicycle Fund Projects 

City of Adelaide

• Detailed design for off-road cycling connectivity at Pulteney Street, South Terrace and Unley Road intersection.
  Total project cost: $40,000 | SBF: $20,000
• Detailed design for cycling-friendly intersection at Franklin Street, Elizabeth Street and Byron Place.
  $120,000 | $20,000
• Upgrade 150m of River Torrens Linear Trail (west of Victoria Bridge) to 3.5m width with lighting.
  $796,000 | $200,000
• Cycling-friendly upgrades at Barton Terrace East and Lefevre Terrace with new line marking and road humps.
  $116,342 | $58,171
   

City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters

• Design for Bicycle and Pedestrian Actuated Crossing (BPAC) at The Parade and Sydenham Road, Norwood.
  $108,000 | $20,000
• Design for 3m shared path, safer crossings and raised platforms on Richmond Street, College Park.
  $80,000 | $20,000
• Design to upgrade High and Thornton Street roundabout in Kensington for cyclist and pedestrian safety.
  $30,000 | $15,000

City of Charles Sturt

• Design for a wombat crossing on St Clair Avenue, St Clair.
  $10,000 | $5,000

City of Unley

• Construct Stage 5 of the Wood–Weller Bikeway, improving Northgate Street and Heywood Park connections.
  $1,156,000 | $200,000
• Cycling improvements at Cremorne and Rugby Streets, Malvern, plus shared-path upgrades through Haslop Reserve.
  $600,000 | $200,000

City of Port Adelaide Enfield

• Construct 530m of 3m-wide shared-use path through the Gillman Railyards between McNicol Tce and Florence Tce.
  $400,000 | $200,000
• Install 210 m of bicycle lane on St Vincent Street between Baker St and Fisher St, Port Adelaide.
  $50,000 | $25,000

City of Playford

• Construct 1.46km of 3m-wide shared path along Adams Road, Elizabeth Downs to Craigmore.
  $1,247,870 | $200,000
• Construct 930m of 3m-wide shared path along Yorktown Road, Elizabeth Downs.
  $478,075 | $200,000
• Construct 380m of 3m-wide shared path along Garlick Road between Argana Park and Yorktown Road.
  $296,920 | $129,829

City of Mount Gambier

• Construct 750m of 3m-wide shared path between Mount Gambier Rail Trail and O’Leary Road.
  $374,000 | $187,000

City of Victor Harbor

• Construct 400m of 3.5m-wide shared path between Investigator College and Armstrong Road.
  $446,000 | $200,000

The Barossa Council

• Construct 3km of 2.5m-wide shared path along disused rail corridor between Birdwood and Mt Pleasant, plus 500 m of shoulder sealing.
  $200,000 | $100,000