Cycling around Edwardstown and further.

As I no longer cycle I asked a friend for some information. He gave the following, and as he lives in the area, I would take the times from Castle Plaza - a good central place.

It is about 45 minutes ride to the centre of Adelaide city from the Plaza, or 35 mins if ' hammering it'.  Not sure if that is in peak hour traffic or not.  Will check and let you know later.  Best way to go is along Railway Tce, then on other side of South Road pick up the new bikeway along the train line, that goes to Goodwood.     At Goodwood, switch to the tramline bikeway which goes all the way to the city. That would be the Mike Turtur Bikeway which goes 9 km from city to Glenelg.

To the Bay (Glenelg Beach) - about 30 minutes.  Down Towers Tce,  Chitral Rd across Cross Rd and meet up with tram bikeway, then take it all the way to the Bay. 

There are bikeways and 'on street' lanes dotted around the place.  Tramway is a great one, Sturt creek (or drain) is another.  There are others which could be googled.    Ultimately, he says he is hoping for one the whole length of the train line from city to Marino.   You can tell he loves his cycling!!!

Updating that, there is now (2019) a  shared path ie walk, cycle, ride from Daws Road to Sixth Avenue, Ascot Park.  A new narrower bicycle lane only is now near finished from Sixth Avenue, Ascot Park to Cross Road at Emerson Overpass.
  We lost lots of shady,bird filled old trees and especially around the Woodlands Railway Station, many car parking spaces for those using railway transport also gone.
  The residents and public transport users have lost a lot.

If you are just visiting or would love to ride occasionally but don't have a bike, then check out the following links  -

1.  http://www.bikesa.asn.au/adelaidefreebikes    This gives info on how to get a bike for day or longer.
2. http://www.bikesa.asn.au  For all biking news and trails and other news.
3. http://tourdownunder.com.au/en  World class bike event in January each year in Adelaide.

Please check out the rules of the road  for cyclists.
Following link is for both car drivers and cyclists.
http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/newcyclinglaws

You could also head up the hills, down to Victor Harbor or as far as you like.  Lots of places.

Lastly, there is an Edwardstown  Velodrome in South Plympton.   The entrance is in
West Street, off Raglan Avenue - Next to the Bowling Club.   For more information see South Coast Cycling website.    This whole venue has been totally revamped.  Brand new velodrome with all the trimmings.  

Where once this area was for all, it now revolves around cyclists.  

       

Above - picture taken 2015 of oval with velodrome around top and looking across to the Adelaide Hills.  I used to love walking around there, very early,  on crisp Winter mornings especially.    So come and ride around our area, and then stop and have something to eat.  

Since writing the above, there has been so much work done for cyclists in the area.  New signs, new 'parking' bays everywhere, new crossings.  Everything for the cyclist.  Weekends are quite busy with recreational cyclists.     The new 'shared' pathways are good for walking the dog or if using a gopher or wheelchair it is much better than any footpath!!!     Just wish the cyclists could stop creating dangerous situations on the footpaths and crossing streets for the disabled, the elderly and all pedestrians including mobility vehicles.  They cut in front of us, forcing us to stop suddenly which is difficult for electric vehicles.  People with walkers are ignored and forced to move out of the way - difficult for most of those using a walker. And the abuse!!    Cyclists don't all use the paths for them, they just use the footpaths and speed around corners they are cutting.