The Cycling Promotion Fund and the Amy Gillett Foundation launch a series of video clips designed to improve road safety 7.30pm Friday 19th February at Federation Square as part of the Sustainable Living Festival.

The dramatic increase in bicycle rider numbers over recent years has lead to large numbers of relatively inexperienced bicycle riders. These video clips provide bicycle riders and ‘would be’riders with practical tips on how to avoid some common hazards when riding in traffic.

“Cycling continues to grow due to the health, environmental and economic benefits cycling provides. These video clips are a great way to help train both new and existing bicycle riders on how to ride on our roads. The better skilled and aware bicycle riders are, the safer they will be” said Tony Fox, Chief Executive Officer of the Amy Gillett Foundation.

“The good news is that the evidence shows the more cyclists there are, the safer it becomes. These video clips provide an additional boost to cyclist safety and will help make it easier for those looking to shift to pedal power” Rosemarie Speidel, Program Director of the Cycling Promotion Fund said.

Matt Tilley from Fox FM says " I think the battle between cars and bikes can be very dangerous. Fortunately the only injury I've ever suffered is altitude sickness - that comes from spending so much time on the high moral ground!"

He will launch the video clips which will be available online through You Tube and be promoted through cycling organisations. DVD’s will also be available at the Sustainable Living Festival and through the Cycling Promotion Fund.

The clips cover:

• How to avoid being hit by car doors
• How to tackle intersections
• How to share the road with trucks
• How to be more visible when riding

These video clips are just one of the elements needed to make cycling as safe as possible. Other urgently needed initiatives include lower speed limits, improved and expanded bicycle lanes and paths, bicycle education in schools and workplaces and programs to improve understanding between motorists and bicycle riders.

“With a slowing economy, the obesity epidemic, environmental concerns, high petrol costs and transport congestion - there has never been a better time to support and encourage cycling” Ms Speidel said.

• Cycling is the 4^th most popular physical activity in Victoria
• 439,000 Victorian Adults participated in cycling in 2007
• Cyclists in Melbourne rode 63,164,500 km to work in 2006