(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.

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