Why a metre does matter!
Statistically, 9,208 bicyclists were either killed (29) or seriously injured (9,179) in Australia in 2009. The number of serious injuries has been increasing by 5% since 2001*. On average 37 bicyclists were killed on Australian roads each year between 2001-2010*.
Further, we know that a large percentage of these incidents occur during commuter hours (7am to 9am, and 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday) from February to the end of May, and October to December. 20% (1800) of deaths/serious injuries involve young male drivers aged 16 to 24 years. *
*Australian Transport Safety Bureau – AIHW Injury Research and Statistics).
Whilst there are a number of different causes of these accidents, we know that many of them are due to motorists not providing enough space on the road for bike riders, inadvertently side-swiping them. This is where the A Metre Matters message comes in.
Designed to raise awareness of cyclists in the minds of drivers, there has been, and will continue to be, a number of supporting campaigns involved in promoting the A Metre Matters message:
- The A Metre Matters ride from Canberra to Melbourne, which was used to launch the program. Twenty seven riders undertook this 830km ride to raise awareness of the campaign. Joining in along the way were AGF friends such as Phil Anderson, Matt White, Dave McKenzie, Matt Tilley and Grant Hackett.
- The inaugural Share the Road Tour in 2010 was based in and around Sydney and served to introduce ‘A Metre Matters’ to NSW. 36 riders embraced the ride and the campaign, accompanied by such greats as Cadel Evans, Rochelle Gilmore, Matt White, Phil Anderson, Stephen Hodge and current & former AGF Scholarship holders Rachel Neylan and Carla Ryan.
- A community service campaign, with assistance from SBS Foundation, Channel Ten, a number of Foxtel channels and Val Morgan cinema advertising
- Radio advertising with the assistance of program partner Continental Tyres. With the aim of tapping into the minds of drivers during peak hour, take a listen of the radio ad currently being played on 1116 SEN.
- Road signage in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane since February 2010.
- Car stickers - available (same design as the billboard). To receive one send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Amy Gillett Foundation, Level 6, 28 Freshwater Place. Southbank VIC 3006. For multiple/bulk orders please contact us for a quote. Or download a template to include your own BUG logo/sponsor.
- As an integral part of regional bike awareness campaigns including the Sunshine Coast’s Share with Care campaign.
- A Metre Matters jerseys for all participants in the Adelaide, Geelong and Canberra Amy’s Rides (included in entry fee or for purchase).
How can you help:
• Tell your friends, motorists and cyclists about the campaign to spread the word about leaving an extra metre for cyclists
• Buy an AGF jersey with 'a metre matters' message on the back
• The AGF needs to raise funds to continue to our campaigning and we are calling on all Australian road users to help us.
The foundation wishes to thank those who have donated so far to this campaign, including the following people:
Alan Hawke, VIC
Anita Kerr, SA
Ben Craven, VIC
Brad Collis, VIC
Bruce Fry, NSW
Catherine Dandie, SA
Christopher Baker, VIC
Cycling Geelong
Cycling Queensland in conjunction with Julia Emblin and Naomi Hansen
Danielle Klomp, SA
David Stephens, VIC
Edmund Gralton, NSW
Elayne Neill, SA
Elspeth Kay, ACT
Geoff Purtill, NSW
Jacinta Moloney, VIC
John Smits, ACT
June Clifford, VIC
Katrina Sheppard, VIC
Lachlan Tailby, SA
Lance Cobain Hunt, VIC
Leanna Read, SA
Mark Vincent, SA
Neville Jacobson, SA
Patricia Dennis, VIC
Paul Martin, SA
Peter C Vallely, SA
Peter Rohen, VIC
Phil Freeman, SA
Ray Martin, VIC
Richard Hambour, SA
Ron Kirwan, VIC
Ryan Farquharson, SA
Sally Jarvis, VIC
Sean Charleson, VIC
Steve Jaensch, SA
Steve Lieschke, SA
Steven Beletich, NSW
Stewart Howell, VIC
Tim Pitt, SA
Tony, Jenny, Reece & Sarah Tucknott, WA
Wayne le Clercq, SA
Wayne Van Eyk, QLD
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