I was invited to join the Amy Gillett Foundation as one of its Patrons. Established in memory of Amy Gillett, the Australian cyclist who was tragically killed by a motorist while out training with 5 team-mates in Germany in July 2005, the Foundation aims to promote a safe and harmonious relationship between cyclists and motorists and provide an annual scholarship for emerging female cyclists.
Like many Australians, I was affected by the death of Amy and injuries to her five team mates. As one of Australia’s high profile ex-Tour de France riders, and still a keen cyclist, I know only too well the need for everyone using the road to do so responsibly and safely. The chance to support the aims of the Foundation means a lot and I am committed to the Foundation’s message that the road belongs to everyone.
The Foundation has a number of excellent programs aimed at keeping our roads safe, including the Austcycle cyclist training program, the Road Right program aimed at teaching learner drivers about cyclist related road laws and the Ride Right program which helps parents and children buy the correct bike and equipment. They also have the great new A Metre Matters program aimed at encouraging motorists to provide more space on the road to cyclists and the Amy’s Ride program of participation rides which is expanding to all major cities. To learn more about these programs visit www.amygillett.org.au.
