The Amy Gillett Foundation has today released data which confirms that cyclists are continuing to  be seriously injured or killed in significant numbers in collisions which often involve a motor vehicle.

In conjunction with the Monash University Accident Research Centre, an analysis of crash data across four states between 2000 and 2004 confirmed that male cyclists aged 30 to 39 are most prominent in the casualty figures with the highest number of incidents occurring week-days between 4-6pm. Large motor vehicles (defined as passenger cars with a 6-8 cylinder engine) are most likely to be involved in a collision and incidents occur when vehicles are making u-turns or entering/leaving parking.

“This is consistent with the high numbers of cyclists and motorists commuting from work and using the road simultaneously,” Melinda Jacobsen, General Manager for the Amy Gillett Foundation said.

“To reduce these incidents, it’s imperative that motorists and cyclists drive and ride responsibly. Motorists need to be on the look out for cyclists and be patient when overtaking them. Similarly cyclists need to be visible, predictable and obey road rules.”

“A lot of media attention has focused on recalcitrant members of the “Hell Ride” but our data shows that many more ‘commuting’ cyclists are being injured or killed, often after colliding with a motor vehicle,” said Ms Jacobsen.

“While the tragic events of last week, in which pedestrian James Gould was hit by a cyclist, highlights the need for cyclists to obey road rules, we should not lose sight of the fact that cyclists are extremely vulnerable on our roads as well, with far too many being killed or seriously injured each year" said Ms Jacobsen.  “There will perhaps always be an “irresponsible fringe” of cyclists and motorists, but let’s not forget that cyclists, and pedestrians, statistically remain the most at risk groups. Recent data published in The Age showed that while the overall road toll in Victoria had declined, the number of cyclist deaths had almost doubled from 2004 to 2005.

“Education and communication can reduce the “irresponsible fringe” of cyclists and motorists but, given the growth in cyclist participation numbers, it would be a tragedy in itself if the terrible events of the last week lead to an increase in tension between cyclists and motorists. The Amy Gillett Foundation’s core objective is to improve this relationship.

“In promoting a safe and more harmonious relationship between cyclists and motorists, the Amy Gillett Foundation seeks to caution both of the need for respect and responsible road use. It is developing education initiatives that will improve the behaviour of people riding and driving.”

The Amy Gillett Foundation was established earlier this year to promote a safe and harmonious relationship between cyclists and motorists through education, awareness and research programs.