O’Connell and Hutt streets would both be transformed by the installation of separated and protected cycleways along most of their lengths under proposed concept plans drawn up by the City of Adelaide.

The concept plans, prepared in April of this year, are part of the City of Adelaide’s Main Streets Reviltalisation Program, and are still subject to further changes and refinement before any potential implementation.

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Hutt Street key points:

· Separate and dedicated cycle paths would be installed from South Terrace to Wakefield Street.

· A 30km/h speed limit is being considered in the southern extent of Hutt Street.

· Raised and continuous footpaths and cycle paths would be installed across driveways, minor side streets and laneways.

· More opportunities would exist for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Hutt Street via increased crossing points and two raised wombat crossings.

In a significant upgrade to the current public realm, concept images show cycle paths, physically separated from traffic and the footpath by kerbs and greenery, which allow two people to comfortably ride abreast to access shops, cafes, and other businesses.

With the reallocation, in some sections of the street, of a lane of traffic in each direction to allow for parallel parking, vehicles would utilise one lane of travel in each direction instead of the two (plus angled parking) used currently.

Coupled with traffic-calming features and the proposed 30km/h speed limit for the southern section of the street, this could be the reinvigoration of Hutt Street that residents, traders and visitors alike have been asking for.

The Hutt Street plan recognises that “…the street’s function as key road linking into the CBD for peak hour traffic with multiple lanes and waves of through traffic adversely impacts pedestrian experience, access and health.”

“Coupled with angle parking and unindented bus stops, the road environment also poses a hazardous environment for even the more experienced people cycling.” it states.

Bicycle SA supports these concept designs and aims to work with the City of Adelaide to achieve the best possible outcome for all riders.

“This type of transformation to Hutt Street will do wonders for increased activity and trade along this prominent city corridor,” Bicycle SA CEO Brett Gillett said.

“We know that reallocating public space in this way can be a boon for business while creating a safer, calmer environment that people feel comfortable to cross on a bike or on foot. And when people stay and enjoy a precinct, they are more likely to spend money at local businesses.”

“This also makes great strides towards expanding Adelaide’s cycling network, making Hutt Street another piece of the puzzle linking up safe cycling routes that enable people to get where they need to go in a healthy, active way.”

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O’Connell Street key points:

· Protected cycle paths would be installed from Brougham Place to Main North Road.

· A 30km/h speed limit is being considered along the entire street.

· 17 raised and continuous footpaths would be installed across driveways, minor side streets and laneways.

· A planted median strip would add greenery and act as an allowance for a future tram service.

O’Connell Street would finally cater to those wanting to cycle down the popular North Adelaide strip to access shopping, retail and leisure opportunities. Currently, O’Connell Street has no bicycle lanes and many riders traveling north-south through the area need to divert to find safer routes through the Park Lands.

The concept plan notes that “Cycling along O’Connell Street at present is unsafe as people cycling share the road with high volumes of vehicles. There is no provision for cycling (no cycle lanes) and people cycling must do so with moving vehicles on their right and parked vehicles, and the risk of dooring, on their left.”

The ‘protected’ cycleways would add dedicated space for riders to pedal along, although won’t be quite as separated as much of the cycleway proposed for Hutt Street. Concept images show the use of spaced concrete buffers and bollards of an unknown material separating the cycle path from the lane used for motor vehicle travel in peak times and car parking in the off-peak. 

40km/h is the current average speed at which vehicles travel along O’Connell Street, and with the suggested reduction in speed limit to 30km/h – representing an almost negligible reduction in travel time for motorists – along with the other traffic-calming features proposed, O’Connell Street has an opportunity to revitalise itself as an attractive place to visit, shop and eat.

“As with the Hutt Street plan, we are quietly hopeful that these plans will be realised and are encouraged to see provision of safer cycling options along our city streets,” Brett Gillett said.

“O’Connell Street has long been a notorious ‘gap’ in our city’s cycling network, especially for those in our inner-northern suburbs who would love to visit North Adelaide more often or to travel through safely on their way to the CBD.”

“A protected cycleway and a lower speed limit would be transformative for this street, allowing it to become a safe and pleasant place to cycle, walk, and spend time and money.”

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The concept plans, along with concept plans for Melbourne and Hindley Streets, are unlikely to progress until the City of Adelaide Draft 2023/2024 Business Plan and Budget is finalised. The first street to be upgraded is so far undecided, with the priority yet to be determined for the four streets identified in the Main Streets Revitalisation Program.

Public consultation of the current plans has not yet been opened or announced, but Bicycle SA will keep our members updated and encourages people to have their say when the time comes.

The concept plans are available on the City of Adelaide website.