The announcement of this scholarship marks the third PhD to be funded by the Amy Gillett Foundation. Dr Marilyn Johnson, Monash University Senior Research Fellow and AGF Research and Policy Manager, completed a PhD in 2011 with the support of the AGF, Cyclist safety: an investigation of how cyclists and drivers interact on the roads. PhD candidate Aaron McInnes is currently completing an evaluation of Sharing Roads Safely, to address how cyclists and heavy vehicle drivers can share the road more safely.
Research provided from these studies is vital to the foundation of the evidence-based approach adopted by the AGF in pursuit of safe cycling for all Australians. This research has been formative in helping the AGF develop policy positions, campaigns and education programs.
We also know that there is a direct correlation between cycling safety and female participation, the safer a community’s cycling infrastructure, the higher the number of women and children riding. Ms Marshall’s PhD will contribute greater understanding of how we can support women to pursue professional sporting careers like cycling by taking a holistic approach, and this will help increase the visibility of female cyclists and the need to make roads safe.