Case Studies
Bike Friendly Barossa

Design Feature

Type of project
Local Government Initiative
State
South Australia
Location
Regional
The Barossa Council has developed the Bike-Friendly Barossa behaviour change initiative and launched the Barossa Cycle Hub, the first regional cycle hub in South Australia. These complementary projects have involved a significant investment in cycling infrastructure and facilities, with the aim of increasing opportunities for transport and leisure cycling. In addition, cycling education and facilities support social connections and community engagement, removing barriers to participation.
Beautiful Barossa
The Barossa Council, located 60 kilometres north east of Adelaide, has a population of almost 23 thousand and has a rich German settler cultural heritage. The region is a popular tourist destination and also houses grape-growing, fruit processing and wine industries, which employ seasonal and shift workers. The local commitment to bike and pedestrian friendly town centres is complemented by appropriate on-street bike lanes, off-road bike paths and other cycle infrastructure.

Residents and visitors can take advantage of the Barossa Trail, a sealed cycling and walking network that extends 40 kilometres from Angaston to Gawler. Two major cycling projects were established in 2015, with the aim of supporting local residents and regional visitors.

The Cycle Hub in Tanunda is located on the Jack Bobridge Track and Barossa Trail and offers access to bicycle repair, hire and storage services, change rooms, water and local information. A backlit sign displays a map of Barossa cycling routes. The Cycle Hub operates for extended hours (6 am to 10 pm daily), to cater for shift workers and early morning cyclists. Shade and seating increase the amenity of the hub. It also provides a venue for cycling based events and is used by cycling groups. It is located next to the Barossa Visitor Centre in Tanunda, and at the front of the hub is the CWA Hall, available for community group hire. Along with public open space on the main street, this area is known as the Tanunda Town Square. 

Development of this precinct has contributed to greater community use of the public realm. The related Bike Friendly Barossa project involves events, expos and education to develop a supportive culture and encourage greater participation in cycling. In addition, Council has signed up 30 bike-friendly businesses to encourage active transport. Businesses were made aware of how cycle travel and tourism could enhance their activities and keep spending local. Bike-friendly businesses have provided free water and discounts on products or services as well as bicycle parking.
Council has also developed four Cycle Friendly Workplaces through facilitation of cycle safety workshops, surveys and one-on-one engagements with employees to develop ‘cycle journey plans’. As part of the Bike Friendly Barossa project, Council held two free Come ‘n’ Try bicycle expos in 2015 and 2016, the second attracting 200 people. The Motor Accident Commission ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ initiative was also promoted along with bicycle health checks and safety skills workshops.
A ‘Barossa By Bike’ map was produced to enable self-directed cycling around the region. Destinations include a wide variety of experiences including museums and galleries; heritage, cultural and conservation attractions; restaurants and wineries, primary production and viticulture landscapes and 50 man-made attractions. The map considers access to fresh produce through inclusion of the weekly Barossa Farmers Market.
A variety of publicopen spaces, including the Altona Landcare Reserve and Nuriootpa’s Linear Park, provide visitors with opportunities to be active. Council projects and decision-making are guided by relevant strategic documents, including a Barossa Cycle Strategy and Urban Design Strategies for major towns. These aim to support pedestrian and cycle-friendly towns with well-maintained infrastructure for active transport. Aesthetic components including street trees and landscaping are considered in these design strategies to encourage active transport. The cycling projects have been informed by community consultation and acknowledgment of local needs. Outcomes include increased participation in cycling, as well as more active travel opportunities to and from workplaces. These projects have been recognised through the Cycle Luminaries Awards, the South Australian Government Public Health Awards, the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards and the Motor Accident Commission Safe Cycle Awards.
Project team
  • Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure
  • Bicycle SA and Cycling South Australia
  • Cycling South Australia
  • Motor Accident Commission
  • Local Bike shops
  • Barossa Visitor Centre
  • Regional Development Australia
  • The Rex Barossa Aquatic and Fitness Centre
  • The Rotary Club of the Barossa
  • Project Advisory Group
  • Team Barossa cycle group
  • 30 Bike Friendly Businesses
  • Four Bike Friendly Workplaces

Project cost
  • Bike Friendly Barossa $37,000
  • Bicycle Hub $600,000

Health value
  • These projects have helped to connect and activate a regional movement network, through improved access to cycle infrastructure and linkages to destination points.
  • Aims included increasing cycling for recreation and transport through positive social norms. This project successfully increased use of cycle ways, with an average of 32 trips per hour reported. 370 bicycles were hired in the first year of the Barossa Cycle Hub operation.
  • Thirty children were involved in bike safety programs with the aim of enhanced confidence. Council partners with schools and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) through the Way2Go program, ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of schools and addressing barriers to use.
  • The Council has worked with DPTI to implement community and workplace behaviour change programs. These improved cyclist knowledge and skills overcome barriers to participation.
  • Charity and competitive bike rides have been safely accommodated through rolling road closures and community event signage.

Economic value
  • This project recognised that increasing cycling tourism has economic benefits for the region, and worked to attract cycling based events and promote experiences.
  • Bike friendly business retail initiative to encourage local spending.
  • Diversification of the regional economy beyond traditional food and wine sectors.
  • Professional and community cycle events that attract visitation and spending.
  • 1,890 cycle inquiries in 2015-16 and bike hire generating $30,000 revenue.

Environmental value
  • Cycling for transport provides local environmental benefits through reduced vehicle emissions.
  • The Barossa Council’s Regional Open Space, Recreation and Public Realm Strategy recognises the relationship between high quality public open space and health.
  • The development of the Cycle Hub has contributed to a vibrant, attractive and accessible precinct.

Social value
  • The regional Cycle Hub provides shade and seating, acting as a space for social interaction.
  • A sense of place is enhanced by presence of rustic seating hand crafted from pallets, the use of local materials in the stone wall at the front of the Hub and plantings of Barossa provenance.
  • The ‘Barossa By Bike’ map for regional self-directed cycling highlights a sense of place, providing historical context and promoting local areas of interest.
  • The projects support shift workers, who comprise 30 per cent of the workforce.
  • Community connections have been fostered through resident engagement in community cycling events.
  • Social riding groups have developed as a consequence of these initiatives.

Use value
  • The extended hours of Hub operation are likely to increase perceptions of community safety and promote after-work activities.

References

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