South Australia has recorded its highest number of cyclist deaths in at least 30 years, with nine bicycle and e-bike riders already losing their lives on the state’s roads in 2026.
The alarming figure has prompted the RAA to call for greater care from motorists and riders, as well as continued investment in safer cycling infrastructure across South Australia.
Eight cyclists and one e-bike rider have died since January — already surpassing the annual totals recorded in available data covering at least the past three decades.
Five deaths recorded in regional South Australia
Of the nine people killed while riding bicycles or e-bikes this year, five died on regional roads and four in metropolitan Adelaide.
Those who have lost their lives ranged in age from 17 to 76 years old.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the figures represented people and families, rather than simply statistics.
“More cyclists losing their lives on SA roads than ever this year before the end of August is a tragedy for everyone who has been affected,” Mr Mountain said.
The organisation is urging all road users to take extra care, particularly as South Australia approaches spring and increasing numbers of cyclists and motorcyclists return to the roads.
Motorcyclist deaths have also risen sharply
Cyclists are not the only vulnerable road users experiencing a concerning year.
Fourteen motorcyclists have been killed on South Australian roads so far in 2026, compared with just five at the same point last year.
The latest figures follow an already difficult first half of 2026 for road safety in South Australia.
RAA analysis released in July found 60 people had died on SA roads during the first six months of the year, a 58 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Another 444 people suffered serious injuries during that period, while regional roads accounted for 63 per cent of lives lost.
South Australia's first-half road toll was around 30 per cent above the five-year average and placed the state third-highest nationally for road deaths per capita.
Drivers urged to give cyclists space
The RAA says both motorists and cyclists have an important role in preventing further deaths.
Drivers are being reminded to:
- Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking.
- Check carefully before opening vehicle doors.
- Look for cyclists before turning across bicycle lanes.
- Remain patient when sharing the road with riders.
- Pay particular attention at intersections and in areas where visibility may be limited.
Cyclists are being encouraged to remain focused, wear an approved helmet, use appropriate front and rear lights and ride according to road and weather conditions.
Several of this year's fatalities involved single-vehicle crashes, according to the RAA, highlighting that cyclist safety involves more than interactions between bicycles and cars.
RAA calls for $10 million State Bicycle Fund
The organisation says improved infrastructure remains an important part of reducing deaths and serious injuries among vulnerable road users.
The RAA has renewed its call for the South Australian Government to establish a $10 million State Bicycle Fund to expand and improve cycling infrastructure.
It argues that better-designed routes and greater physical separation between bicycles and motor vehicles could provide long-term improvements to rider safety.
The record toll comes as more South Australians are also considering alternatives to driving.
An RAA survey released earlier this month found 6 per cent of South Australians said they were cycling more, as households changed their transport habits in response to higher fuel costs.
A confronting year on SA roads
The latest cyclist figures add to growing concern about South Australia's overall road toll during 2026.
By the end of June, the state had already recorded its equal-worst mid-year road fatality result since 2019.
RAA analysis identified speeding, distraction, dangerous driving, impairment and failure to wear seatbelts among the preventable behaviours continuing to contribute to road trauma.
For cyclists, the organisation says safer roads, safer infrastructure and greater awareness from everyone sharing the road will all be required to reverse the trend.
With spring approaching and more people expected to take to two wheels, motorists are being asked to slow down, remain alert and remember that cyclists are among the most vulnerable people on South Australia's roads.
Nine cyclists and e-bike riders have already failed to make it home in 2026 — the highest toll South Australia has seen in at least three decades.
BitWaves News encourages all South Australians to take care and look out for one another on the road.