Archway and bridge widening near Forestville Reserve
Works are set to commence next week on some key improvements to the Mike Turtur Bikeway and Marino Rocks Greenway in Forestville.
The works include the widening of the two archways under the tram line on either side of Goodwood Railway Station, along with the widening of the bridge over Brownhill Creek in Forestville Reserve. The works have been scheduled to happen while the tram line is out of action in the second half of this year, with estimated completion in March 2026.
We welcome the upgrades as they will address some pinch points in the local cycling network. However, if we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times: this project is a poor replacement for the mothballed Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass as it does not address in any way the two issues the overpass was conceived to address: providing a safe and convenient way for people cycling to cross the train line, and making Goodwood Station accessible to all.
While the works are under way, there will obviously be impacts on the walking and cycling paths through the area. The first round of detours will be in place from June 30 until 4th August and are outlined in the diagram below. There will be additional detours once works begin on the arches themselves. Unley BUG will be talking to the project team as works progress and will continue to share updates. If the detours are causing any issues or you have suggestions on how they could be better, be sure to let us know!
You can read more about the project here.
Thomas-Mornington Intersection Improvements
A small but meaningful improvement to the intersection of Thomas St and Mornington Rd in Unley has resolved a weak link in one of Unley’s cycling routes. Located on the Unley Neighbourhood Bicycle Route that winds its way between Unley Rd and King William Rd, navigating this intersection used to be difficult due to poor visibility and the need to go onto a steep and narrow footpath. But no longer!
The transformation undertaken by Unley Council has dramatically improved visibility and accessibility, with generous ramps on each side of the landscaped area. That alone would be a win. However, what we LOVE about council’s recent cycling improvement work is how they combine benefits to cycling with making our streets better places to be. In the case of this project, that has meant claiming back bitumen roadway space for garden beds, wider footpaths and even this charming set of chairs and a table. Our streets deserve to become places to be (rather than just transit through), and projects like this go a step closer to making this a reality. Bring more of this on – much, much more please!
Winter Solstice Adventure
Last Saturday was the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year. For the past couple of years, Unley BUG has been using the occasions of these significant seasonal events as an excuse to lead a group of brave souls on a two-wheeled adventure.
Our Adventure Rides are for those who have gazed wistfully at the hills on their evening commute home or raised an eyebrow at the word ‘gravel’ but did not know where/how/who to ride with. We travel at a casual pace (albeit one that’s a touch faster than our monthly social rides) and won’t be leaving anyone behind. We like to get our tyres dirty and so recommend a bike with wide tyres (35mm+) and easy gears to safely and comfortably carry you along the adventure.
Last week we ventured further afield than usual, launching off from Flinders Station in the south and exploring the stunning interconnected open spaces of Glenthorne National Park and the Happy Valley Reservoir. Despite the distance from Unley, we had our best turnout yet, and a great time was had by all.
You can keep up with updates on our Adventure Rides and other events we host via our Facebook page.
Things to look forward to
When it comes to cycling infrastructure improvements, things take time. Sometimes it feels like nothing happens at all, and sometimes everything happens all at once. The year ahead is shaping up to be the latter! According to little birdies we have been listening to on the grapevines, the community should keep their eyes peeled for the following projects to become a reality over the next year:
- Mike Turtur Bikeway: King William Rd improvements between bikeway and Greenhill Rd.
- Mike Turtur Bikeway: Railway Tce South streetscape improvements (near the archways that are about to be widened)
- Upgrading the pedestrian crossing at Sunrise Christian School on Wattle St – the site of an tragic cyclist death a couple of years ago.
- Haslop Reserve Walking and Cycling Improvements
- Wood-Weller Bikeway Stage 5 improvements.
Kidical Mass – helping a good cause
Our friends at Kidical Mass Adelaide are looking for support to facilitate their annual protest parade/celebration scheduled for September 21 this year.
Each year, Kidical Mass Adelaide joins thousands of children and their families worldwide in taking over our city streets to claim our right to ride safely.
Kidical Mass is more than just a protest; it gives children a voice, creating a positive vision for the future, connecting the young and old across the cycling community.
With grant funding scarce, the organising committee is turning to the community for support in making this year’s event happen. Support them here.
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