This Sunday 1 November thousands of cyclists will enjoy a slice of transport history as the Southern Expressway will be open exclusively for cyclists for the second annual AMY’S RIDE event.

An Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) initiative presented by Bicycle SA, Amy’s Ride SA works to promote and encourage the mutual awareness and respect of cyclists and motorists on our roads.

“The message for this year is a simple one – “A Metre Matters”. It’s all about ensuring sufficient space between motorist and cyclist and a metre is all it takes to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely an on time” said Tony Fox CEO, AGF. “Amy’s Ride SA will kick start the riding season on Sunday November 1 to promote this important safety message to all SA road users.”

For over 25 years, Bicycle SA has championed to see more South Australians cycling more often in safer, healthier communities and CEO Christian Haag sees Amy’s Ride as a natural extension of this commitment: “The very essence of Amy’s Ride is to encourage riders of all abilities, ages and fitness levels to enjoy a fun, safe ride on our roads.”.

The inaugural ride last year saw over 2,000 riders enjoy a day out with family and friends. This year Bicycle SA expects over 3,000 riders to participate in this magnificent event, with the first 3,000 receiving the exclusive ‘A Metre Matters’ jersey.

Many riders are part of a team, such as Team CMV with 75 riders. CMV Marketing Coordinator Shaun Garfitt said “As a business involved in the sale of cars, trucks and buses, the CMV Group believes in promoting harmonious relationships between drivers and cyclists. The CMV Group also likes to promote healthy lifestyle choices to our staff. Healthy fit staff makes for happier more productive employees. After completing the 2008 Amy Gillett ride, some staff took an active interest in cycling and now ride to work.”

Bicycle SA Patron and Olympic Gold Medallist Brett Aitken said “The spectacular route along the Southern Expressway to McLaren Vale is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy iconic local scenery and we’re hoping to see thousands of riders not only from Adelaide, but regionally and interstate support and participate in this outstanding initiative.”

There is a ride distance to suit everyone. Information and registration for the four ride options (25km, 30km, 60km and 100km) are available at www.bikesa.asn.au or on 08 8168 9999. The ride start time is 10am.

AGF was established after elite South Australian cyclist Amy Gillett was killed by a motorist whilst training in Germany.