For Immediate Release
Sunday 03 January 2010
Thousands enjoy star studded Amy’s Ride
The fifth annual Amy’s Ride has raised approximately $230,000 for the Amy Gillett Foundation and attracted
over 2,500 cyclists including world-class elite riders, amateur enthusiasts and those simply looking for a terrific
day out.
The incredibly rare opportunity to spin alongside World Champion Cadel Evans and Tour de France heroes
Phil Anderson and Robbie McEwen proved a major drawcard yet again, with thousands of fans delighted
to be sharing the road with some of the biggest names in world cycling.
Amy’s Ride has become synonymous not only with cycling superstars, but importantly with road safety, and
an enjoyable day out on the bike. Amy Gillett Foundation CEO, Tony Fox, couldn’t be happier with the
outcome.
“This is the ninth consecutive year that bikes have outsold cars in Australia. Seeing so many keen riders
participate today in Amy’s Ride truly brings that figure to life. Days like this show that Australians increasingly
love to ride, but are conscious of the need for improved road safety,” said Fox.
“In 2009, 280 Victorian cyclists were reported as having sustained serious injuries from collisions with vehicles.
Tragically, five cyclists have died this year on our roads as a result of colliding with vehicles. Amy’s Ride is
very much about raising mutual awareness of and respect amongst motorists and cyclists, but these
alarming figures are evidence that much work remains to be done.
We are delighted that today’s
participation levels are so high and we hope everyone sharing the roads today – either on bike or in car –
has embraced the spirit of this event and will support our message by practicing road safety at all times,”
he said.
This year’s Amy’s Ride comprised the traditional 120km circuit around the Bellarine Peninsula, as well as a
shorter 60km version, a 27km route ideal for families and a 1km loop perfect for youngsters just getting a feel
for their wheels.
The $230,000 raised from today’s event will cover costs for the Ride itself, as well as to support ongoing
campaigns such as:
o
Road Right - An innovative program to encourage learner drivers to better understand the road laws
in relation to cyclists
o
AustCycle – In partnership with Cycling Australia we have created a program to train and accredit
cycling teachers around Australia with a standardized training program.
o
Research Scholarship – Our PHD student is currently 2 years into a three year study on the causal
effects of bicycle crashes
o
Sporting Scholarship – Each year an up and coming female cyclist is placed on scholarship with the
AIS road cycling team
o
A Metre Matters – Road safety community service announcement
-ends-
For media enquiries please contact:
Elastick – Brooke or Prue Tully, T: 03 94 27 02 75 | 0427 88 50 66 | E: brooke@elastick.com.au |
prue@elastick.com.au
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