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Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council will investigate lowering The Parade’s speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h. This is good news for cycling and retailers alike.
The investigation comes as part of the Councils’ master plan for the popular shopping and dining precinct, which aims to make it more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.The investigation comes as part of the Councils’ master plan for the popular shopping and dining precinct, which aims to make it more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
Mayor Robert Bria says he is unsure the move would be acceptable
to Council and State Government, due to The Parade being a major thoroughfare
for motorists.
The Parade investigation follows the lowering of limits on King
William Road, Prospect Road and Jetty Road to 40km/h.
However, Mr Bria notes that The Parade is a busier arterial road
than either King William or Jetty Roads and says “you have to treat each road
on its merits and consider their differences.”
The proposal is great news for cyclists, and shows more
councils are starting to seriously consider the risk posed to bike riders and
pedestrians from fast-moving vehicles. Studies around the world show that lower
speed limits help get more bums on bikes.
"There is increasing evidence
that retailers along shopping precincts similar to that of Norwood Parade
benefit significantly from slower speed limits. Its is no brainer really…the
creation of spaces that are quiet, safer and that encourage social interaction
are naturally preferable to high traffic, noisy environments," says Bike SA CEO Christian Haag.
Throw in the
usual mix of inattentive drivers and why wouldn’t you go somewhere else to do
you shopping. Shoppers who ride or walk to the precinct are shown to linger
longer and visit more frequently – to these people, shopping is a cultural
experience and one to be savoured.
Bike SA calls on the Council to apply for a
reduction in the speed along the Parade – it’s a win for the retailer and for
the community.
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