On the first anniversary of the death of Australian cyclist Amy Gillett, the Foundation established in her name has pledged to improve the relationship between cyclists and motorists on Australian roads.

Amy Gillett, 29, was killed when a motorist collided with the Australian road cycling team during a training ride in Germany on July 18th last year.

Amy Gillett Foundation General Manager, Melinda Jacobsen said the current relationship between cyclists and motorists was at boiling point.

“Currently, an average of 35 bike riders are killed on the nation’s roads each year, with 2,500 being seriously injured, the majority of these collisions involve a motor vehicle.”

“Both sides need to understand the perspective of the other so the road can be shared harmoniously,” Ms Jacobsen said.

To this end, the Foundation will tomorrow begin screening a television commercial highlighting the issue.

The Amy Gillett Foundation was established earlier this year by Amy’s family in a bid to make sense of her tragic death.

As well as assist the other members of Amy’s team who were injured in the accident, the Amy Gillett Foundation offers scholarships to aspiring female cyclists.

It will also;

• Commission research into the commonalities between road accidents involving cyclists;
• Educate young cyclists with no driving experience about sharing the road, and
• Develop an education campaign targeting learner and probationary drivers.

“Rising petrol prices and an increasing focus on healthy living have seen a dramatic rise in the number of regular cyclists taking to our roads,” Ms Jacobsen said.

The Amy Gillett Foundation is about providing a new perspective to both cyclists and motorists, rather than apportioning blame,” Ms Jacobsen said.

Ms Jacobsen will join Amy’s family and fellow cyclists in Germany tomorrow where a memorial plaque will be laid at the accident scene.