26 July 2007

The Amy Gillett Foundation today applauded recommendations for further research into cyclist related collisions as delivered by State Coroner Graeme Johnstone in response to the death of James Gould, who was struck down by cyclists when crossing Beach Road last year.

Amy Gillett Foundation Chairman Duncan Murray said the organisation had already started implementing ground-breaking investigation, but supported calls for increased Government funding into additional research.

”We commend any calls that will help address the black hole in terms of road collision data that currently exists. In conjunction with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), the Amy Gillett Foundation has launched the Safe1 Family Research Scholarship, which will lead to improved safety by investigating the collisions and near collisions with bicyclists from the perspective of all road users. The study will explore the circumstances of the incidents, and people’s experiences, attitudes and behaviour as a result of the incident,” said Mr. Murray.

Scholarship recipient Marilyn Johnson realises the research is an Australian-first.

“It’s not enough to collect data such as when, where and how collisions involving cyclists occur on our roads. We need to understand more about the relationship between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians if we are going to have any real impact on the road toll,” Ms Johnson said.

“More than 1.3 million bikes were sold in Australia last year, and whilst we have noted anecdotal improvements amongst bicyclist behaviour since Mr. Gould’s death, the Amy Gillett Foundation supports recommendations to minimise possible future fatalities,” Mr. Murray said.

The Amy Gillett Foundation suggested increased police presence and the implementation of a clearway between 6am and 10am on week-ends as a positive way to encourage mutual safety and tolerance of bicyclists and motorists.

“We acknowledge that law-breaking road users are a minority, but that’s all it takes to potentially cause a fatality. As such, we believe a combination of today’s recommendations and findings from the Safe Family Research Scholarship should result in a different temperament and improved climate on our roads so that similar tragedies can be avoided,” Mr. Murray said.

*Amy Gillett's maiden name is Safe