This Sunday 5,500 cyclists, accompanied by thousands of family members and friends, will take to the iconic Great Ocean Road to raise awareness of the need for ‘a metre matters’ laws in Victoria.

A metre matters requires drivers to provide a minimum distance of one metre when overtaking a bike rider in speed zones at or below 60km/h and 1.5 metres in speed zones above 60km/h.

The majority of Australian states and territories have taken action to make cyclists safer by implementing a metre matters laws, and the Amy Gillett Foundation is advocating for Victoria to be the next state to do so.

A parliamentary inquiry into a metre matters laws is on-going in Victoria, with a range of organisations giving substantial evidence in support of the laws.

The Amy Gillett Foundation is encouraging the Victorian Government to take this important step in support of a safer cycling environment in Victoria, with a view to achieving implementation of a metre matters laws before the end of the year.

TV and radio personality Osher Günsberg is joining the peloton, riding for a cause that is close to his heart.

“As an avid cyclist, I have experienced first-hand the dangers that cyclists face on the roads,” Günsberg said.

“I’m not alone as a cyclist that has had close encounters where I think that I was lucky to survive” Günsberg continued.

“We must continue to educate drivers and continue to spread the message that a metre really does matter.”

CEO of the Amy Gillett Foundation, Phoebe Dunn, said this Sunday’s Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo provides an excellent opportunity for the cycling community to show their support for a metre matters.

“The cycling community has embraced the message that a metre matters and that there is a need for change,” Ms Dunn said.

“A metre matters because it provides a practical measurement for drivers when overtaking bike riders,” Ms Dunn continued.

“Research shows that in states where a metre matters laws are in place, drivers are giving cyclists more space, and cyclists feel safer as a result.”

Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo is committed to supporting the local community, with the weekend of activities bringing the significant economic benefit of approximately $21.1 million dollars to the region every year.

The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver while training with the Australian Olympic cycling team in Germany. It has evolved to become the leading bike rider safety organisation in Australia, driven by a core mission to reduce the incidence of death and injury of bike riders.

The Great Ocean Road was one of Amy’s favourite places to ride, and some of her ashes were scattered in the area.

This weekend’s event will include:

120km Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo (Sunday 11 September) – Thousands of cyclists enjoy the breathtaking views of the Colac Otway and Surf Coast region as they ride along a fully closed Great Ocean Road.

45km Otway Pork Medio Fondo (Sunday 11 September) – for those looking for something that little bit shorter, cyclists will set out on the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Lorne.

7km Amy’s Family Fondo (Sunday 11 September) – a fun-focused ride that will ensure the kids and their families are well catered for.

Amy’s Otway Criterium presented by Europcar (Saturday 10 September) – the first of two stages of the Amy’s Otway Tour, as part of the Subaru National Road Series. The Criterium will light up the main streets of Lorne in a European style race that is guaranteed to entertain.

Amy’s Otway Classic (Sunday 11 September) – returning for its second year, an event for the early-risers and Australia’s best female riders, and the eighth race on the Subaru National Road Series. Current individual rankings leader Lisen Hockings (High5 Dream Team) will set out on the Great Ocean Road looking for further breathing room between herself and the rest of the peloton.

Amy’s Wall presented by CyclingTips and powered by Subaru (Saturday 10 September) – this one turns things up a notch as competitors bust their gut on Lorne’s Bay Street hill for some incredible prizes; the perfect appetiser for Sunday’s main event.

Limited places for Amy’s Family Fondo are still available here.

Proceeds and fundraising associated with Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo will be directed towards cycling safety research, advocacy and educational campaigns and programs – such as the free AustCycle skills clinics run in local schools during August and September and at the event.