Otways ride queries raised in Parliament

QUESTIONS about an unauthorised cycling event
through the Otways have made it to the floor of
state Parliament, with Polwarth MP Richard Riordan
urging Victoria Police to investigate.

Nearly 200 cyclists took part in the October 21
ride, which left and returned to Lorne, following the
Amy’s Gran Fondo loop.

Unlike other mass rides in the Otways such as Amy’s Gran Fondo and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the ride – marketed as the Derek ‘Disco’ Josephs Classic – was not authorised by the Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, VicRoads, Victoria Police or the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee.

Mr Riordan, who has been in talks with Otways residents concerned about road safety for some time and has held at least one public meeting on the issue, said in Parliament last week that the group running the October 21 event “has deliberately used a name almost identical to that of a well-known and respected existing cycling group”.

“It appears that Richard McDonnell has set up an organisation called Great Ocean Road Cycling Pty Ltd, commonly known as GORC, which is almost identical in name to the older and well-established Great Ocean Road Cycling Incorporated, also known as GORC.

“Mr McDonnell and his organisation have deliberately traded on the goodwill of the existing organisation to attract riders to the event.”

He said local government, Victoria Police and “reputable cycling groups” must work with community groups that seek to promote safe cycling “to help prevent such illegal events from occurring again”.

“Cyclists must be educated to know that cycling events in regional areas must be approved by local authorities, who can then ensure roads are safe and local communities are managed for minimal disruption.

“I further urge Victoria Police to investigate the bona fides of Great Ocean Road Cycling Pty Ltd and Richard McDonnell to make sure that they have not used false and misleading information to promote their illegal event.”