(from Mark Parnell .org.au)

Adelaide has more cycling deaths per head of population and SA spends the least per capita on cycling infrastructure than any other state in Australia, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

“This is a toxic mix. Cyclists lives are at risk because of a lack of State Government spending on basic infrastructure,” says Mark Parnell.

An analysis of Australian Transport Safety Bureau data shows Adelaide is the ‘cycling death capital of Australia’, with 7 deaths, or 4.41 per million South Australians, well above the national average. At the same time, Cycling Promotion Fund figures show SA spends only $2.20 per capita on basic cycling infrastructure, compared with $4.65 in Western Australia, and $10 in NSW.

“The Government should lower its collective head in shame. You can’t keep on under-spending year after year, and not expect some consequences in terms of safety for cyclists.

“While the Government celebrates cycling during the Tour Down Under, as soon as the spotlight fades, cycling is given little attention for the rest of the year. As a consequence our basic cycling infrastructure lags many other states.

“This data should be compulsory reading for Road Safety Minister Zollo and Treasurer Foley coming up to the June 5th budget. The Government must spend more to ensure the safety of cyclists is protected,” he said.

(from )
MICHAEL MILNES, POLICE REPORTER
February 26, 2008

A PICTURE of a bicycle involved in a serious accident is being published by AdelaideNow in the hope someone can identify the critically injured rider.

The cyclist is fighting for his life after apparently falling from his bike in the northern suburbs.The identity of the man is unknown, as are circumstances of the accident at the corner of Rossdale Ave and Sheffield Cr at Blair Athol about 8.30pm.Police have been door-knocking residents of the area in a bid to identify him, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Crash investigators attended the scene and marked where it appears that the man hit the kerb before falling from the bike.

The man was wearing a helmet, but the bike was not fitted with a headlight and there were no street lights in the area of the crash.

He is described as Caucasian and aged in his 50s and police are appealing for witnesses to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

It is thought the accident happened in Rosedale St, Blair Athol, about 8.30pm, but further details of how the man came to be critically hurt remain a mystery.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.