Cyclists reminded to share the path

Cyclists on e-bikes and e-scooter riders are being reminded that all footpaths, including the Coast Park pathway, are shared use areas and riders should slow down and give way to pedestrians.

Council understands there are concerns within the community particularly with the increase in e-bikes and e-scooters on footpaths and the Coast Park pathway.

As a result, Council is maintaining a 12-month register of reported incidents, concerns and suggested improvements, which will be provided to the Minister for Transport as formal feedback.

Council also wrote to the Police Minister Blair Boyer late last year seeking the support of South Australia Police in enforcing the newly introduced regulations and existing shared path road rules for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). This includes e-scooters on the Coast Park pathway.

“The City of Holdfast Bay receives numerous concerns and complaints from community members in relation to behaviours on shared use paths, particularly the Coast Park Path. The addition of devices such as e-scooters has increased the potential for conflict,” wrote Holdfast Bay CEO Pamela Jackson in her letter to Minister Boyer.

“While Council is committed to promoting sustainable and alternative transport options, we are equally committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all path users.

“As enforcement of PMD regulations – including speed limits, helmet use, and responsible riding – is delegated to South Australia Police, we respectfully request increased visibility and enforcement efforts along the Coast Park Path, particularly during the upcoming summer period. This will help mitigate risks, reinforce safe riding behaviour, and support the community’s confidence in the shared use of this important public asset.”

Council received a response from Minister Boyer advising that Council’s concerns had been referred to SAPOL who are increasing their presence over the summer months to monitor and enforce safe PMD usage.

Both letters are attached below and can be read in full.

Earlier this year, Council also applied to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to ban e-scooters from being ridden on footpaths along Jetty Road, Glenelg.

Under South Australian e scooter legislation, e scooters have a specific 10km/h maximum speed limit on shared paths.

While Council can’t impose speed limits, other safety measures are being used including signs to remind all Coast Park users that the pathway is a shared zone for both cyclists and pedestrians.

According to the Australian Road Rules, rule 250 requires bicycle riders (including e-bikes) to give way to pedestrians on a shared path or footpath, which means that they must slow down and if necessary, stop, to avoid a collision.

Bicycle riders must also not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a pedestrian.

A power-assisted bicycle or pedal cycle, which has a motor attached to assist the rider, can be legally used on SA roads.

However, e-bikes that do not meet the definition of a power assisted bicycle (such as being used without pedalling), cannot be ridden on South Australian roads, paths or road-related areas. Find out more via the link below.