AusCycling teams with Amy’s Foundation to reduce fatalities

THE nation’s peak cycling body, AusCyling, is partnering with Amy’s Foundation to reduce cyclist deaths and serious injuries.

The three-year partnership aims to bring together advocacy, education and research.

Over the last year, Australia recorded its highest annual road toll since 2010 with 41 cyclists killed and more than 8700 hospitalised due to road crashes.

Amy’s Foundation was founded in 2006 after cyclist and Olympic rower, Ballarat’s Amy Gillett, was killed during a training ride with the Australian National Team in Germany.

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the partnership with Amy’s Foundation, formerly the Amy Gillett Foundation, will enhance effectiveness.

“Every cyclist death is preventable,” Ms Fechner said.

“By joining forces with Amy’s Foundation, we can build a stronger, unified voice for change – bringing together sport, community, research and policy.

“Our goal is not just awareness, but measurable safety improvements across every state and territory.”

The collaboration will include the promotion of public education and awareness initiatives and shared campaigns, research and community engagement supported through an annual implementation plan.

Amy’s Foundation managing director Katherine Bates said the partnership will increase momentum for change.

“This partnership brings together the peak body for cycling and the national voice for cycling safety,” she said.

“It means we can speak with one voice on the need to protect people who ride and deliver safer roads across Australia.”