Riders and drivers are urged to take care as cyclists gear up for the Tour Down Under (TDU), which starts this Friday 17 January.

The race takes place in Adelaide and regional South Australia, including the Fleurieu, from 17-26 January, featuring nine days of elite racing for men and women.

RAA says new data reveals serious cyclist crashes have increased by almost a third in the last five years.

Between 2020-2024, 24 cyclists tragically lost their lives and another 408 were seriously injured on SA roads – a jump of 29 per cent in serious crashes compared to the five years prior.

Crash data from 2019-2023 shows the worst suburbs for cyclist fatal and serious injury crashes were the city (27), Henley Beach (10), Montacute (eight), Glenelg, Belair and Unley (six each).

The Tour Down Under is the biggest bike race in the Southern Hemisphere that brings cyclists of all ages and abilities to the state, prompting RAA to remind drivers and riders alike to show respect and patience when sharing the road.

RAA is also renewing calls for greater investment in cycling infrastructure via a $10m State Bicycle Fund – to build more dedicated routes, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.

RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain says Greater Adelaide will be on show as a cycling capital ahead of the event.

“The Tour Down Under is a world-class cycling event and it means SA roads are set to be busy with bike riders in the coming weeks,” he says.

“Cyclists should use bike lanes wherever available, keep to the left and not ride more than two abreast.

“Drivers must allow a minimum passing distance of one metre on roads where the speed limit is 60km/h or slower, and at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists on roads where the speed limit is greater than 60km/h. 

As part of its recent State Budget submission, RAA has called for the state government to commit $10m per year to a State Bicycle Fund – to improve safety and encourage more cycling as a mode of transport by closing gaps in existing bike infrastructure around Adelaide.

RAA’s recent Risky Rides survey of cyclists found that gaps in dedicated bike lanes and paths are the major concern for prospective riders, with 56 per cent saying they do not feel safe to share the road with drivers.

Mr Mountain says the RAA survey also found 30 per cent of cyclists have been knocked off their bike by a vehicle and 94 per cent have experienced a close shave.

“As a beautiful state for cycling that attracts riders from all over Australia and the world – and as hosts of such a brilliant annual cycling event in the Tour Down Under – we really need to be investing in more safe, protected routes across the city to make it safer for riders of all abilities to get around.

According to the National Walking and Cycling Participation Survey 2023, 12.7 per cent of South Australians cycle in a typical week – the second-lowest of any Australian state or territory.

The women’s TDU will visit Fleurieu roads on stage 1, Friday 17 January - Brighton to Aldinga and stage 2, Saturday 18 January - Unley to Willunga.

The Fleurieu takes the limelight for the men’s TDU on stages 4 and 5, Glenelg to Victor Harbor on Friday 24 January and McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill on Saturday 25 January.

Stage 4 will feature a journey across the Myponga Reservoir wall and a return to the Nettle Hill climb at Hindmarsh Valley.

A loop through McLaren Vale vineyards will follow the descent of Willunga Hill on stage 5, with a change of direction leading to a double climb of Willunga Hill.

Visit the Tour website for the full Tour Down Under race programs for 2025.

RAA’s tips for sharing the road safely this TDU season

Cyclists

• Ensure you have a rear red reflector and front white light or reflector so you can be seen from a distance.
• Use bike lanes or shared paths where available, keep to the left and do not ride more than two abreast.
• Use the ‘cycle instead’ journey planner which assists identifying routes and planning trips using cycle routes with better dedicated infrastructure.

Drivers

• When passing cyclists, allow a gap of at least 1m, or 1.5m where the speed limit is greater than 60km/h
• You are allowed to cross double white lines to pass a cyclist, but only if you can see the path is clear of oncoming traffic.
• When exiting a parallel parked vehicle, check your side mirrors for passing cyclists or use the ‘Dutch reach’. This involves using your left hand to open the driver side door, which directs your vision towards any cyclists that may be approaching from behind.

Everyone

Be respectful and patient – so we can all make it home safely.