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Media Release 5 May 2016 |
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One step closer to safer bike riding in Australia
Australia is one major step closer to being a safer place for bike riders following a Senate committee recommendation to amend the Australian Model Road Rules to enshrine a metre matters into law.
The Federal Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee interim report into aspects of road safety in Australia is recommending that the Australian road rules be amended:
Recommendation 2 – 1.66 – The committee recommends that the National Transport Commission amend the model Australian Road Rules to mandate a safe passing distance for drivers overtaking cyclists of one metre where the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour or lower and 1.5 metres where the speed limit is higher.
The Amy Gillett Foundation welcomes the recommendation with Chief Executive Officer Phoebe Dunn describing the move as “a major step in achieving consistent a metre matters laws Australia wide.”
“This news is the culmination of ten years work by all those who want to make Australia a safer place for bike riders,” Ms Dunn said.
“Minimum overtaking distances are now law in South Australia and Queensland, two-year trials are well underway in New South Wales and the ACT, and Tasmania now has a version of these laws.”
“This recommendation supports our push for the remaining states and territories to take action, without further delay,” Ms Dunn said
Only Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory remain as Australian jurisdictions yet to commit to making bike riding safer through the introduction of minimum overtaking distance laws.
And while Tasmania has laws that allow for motorists to cross double lines when safe to overtake a bike rider, the Amy Gillett Foundation is pushing for Tasmania to also make a metre matters laws mandatory.
“The Amy Gillett Foundation presented to a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry considering a metre matterslaws this week, and there is no doubt there’s momentum for change.”
“We understand there are still motoring and cycling groups who oppose a metre matters laws or want exemptions, however the recommendation is clear - mandate a safe passing distance for drivers overtaking cyclists of one metre where the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour or lower and 1.5 metres where the speed limit is higher. It should be adopted Australia wide with no exceptions,” Ms Dunn said.
The Interim Report also includes a recommendation regarding better data on road trauma statistics, proposing the Commonwealth Government commit $150,000 for three years from 2016-17 to fund the continued operation of the Australian Trauma Registry, and that the Australian Design Rules be amended to require all new vehicles be fitted with automatic emergency braking technology (AEB) from 1 July 2017.
In addition, the committee also recommends that the Australian curriculum includes road awareness training for both primary and secondary school students.
“We welcome all three recommendations. New technology can be used to help protect Australia’s vulnerable road users, the collection of data is crucial to evidence based decision making, and since the inception of the Amy Gillett Foundation ten years ago, education has been at the core of our philosophy and approach. We continue to run education programs in Australian schools, which we fund ourselves, with no on-going Government assistance and to push for cycling awareness to be included in learner driver training and testing programs,” Ms Dunn said.
“Education goes beyond the schools, and we are seeing good results from driver education and awareness programs in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.”
“The Queensland trial demonstrated that when road laws are supported by driver education programs, road users become more aware of bike riders and our roads become safer,” Ms Dunn said.
National status of minimum overtaking distance laws
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Media Release 7 April 2016 |
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A metre matters permanently in Queensland
The Amy Gillett Foundation welcomes the decision by the Queensland Government to make the ‘a metre matters’ law permanent in Queensland.
“The Queensland Government is to be congratulated on making the a metre matters laws permanent. It is a significant step in making bike riding safer in Queensland.” Amy Gillett Foundation chief executive officer, Phoebe Dunn, said.
Following the conclusion of a successful two-year trial of rules mandating a minimum distance when overtaking bicycles, Queensland’s Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, The Hon Mark Bailey MP, announced the decision to keep the rules permanently.
The a metre matters rule 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 one-metre rule is intended to improve interactions between cyclists and motorists on Queensland roads by making motorists more aware of cyclists and encouraging them to leave enough space between their vehicle and the bicycle,” Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, The Hon Mark Bailey MP said.
“A metre matters because it provides a practical measurement for drivers when overtaking bike riders,” Ms Dunn said.
“The evaluation of the trial by CARRS–Q has informed the Queensland Government’s decision to make a metre matters laws permanent. The Amy Gillett Foundation will be looking to Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to implement such laws without further delay.
The permanent laws will be supported by a renewed education program with the launch of a new phase of the ‘Stay wider of the rider’ campaign.
“A second phase of TMR’s Stay Wider campaign, will have a strong educational focus, and will run from April to June to remind road users of the rule, including the ability of motorists to cross centre lines when overtaking bicycle riders.” Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Mark Bailey MP, said.
“The Queensland trial has demonstrated that when road laws are supported by driver education programs road users become more aware of bike riders and our roads become safer. We are delighted that the Queensland Government is continuing to invest in further education on the laws, and investigate additional measures to aid practical application and enforcement”, Ms Dunn said.
The move follows the growing support across Australia for a metre matters with permanent laws now in force in Queensland and South Australia, amended road laws in Tasmania and two-year trials currently underway in New South Wales and the ACT.
Only Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory now remain as Australian jurisdictions yet to commit to making bike riding safer through the introduction of minimum overtaking distance laws.
The Amy Gillett Foundation is committed to supporting a safer cycling environment through driver education and has recently renewed a long-term road safety partnership with the Toll Group, a key supporter of the Foundation’s a metre matters campaign.
“Toll is supportive of the Queensland Government’s new legislation around cyclist road safety, and congratulates the Amy Gillett Foundation for all of its work to make our roads safer through their ‘a metre matters’ campaign,” said Mal Grimmond, Divisional Director of Toll Domestic Forwarding.
“Our shared vision of safer roads for all road users is why we have committed to supporting the Foundation for another three years.”
“This year has been a breakthrough year for the Amy Gillett Foundation as we continue our mission to reduce the incidence of serious injury and death of bike riders in Australia,” Ms Dunn said.
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About the Amy Gillett Foundation
The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver whilst cycling 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. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community safety organisations and the public to create a safer bike riding environment in Australia.
Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia
Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities
As Australia’s leading cycling safety organisation, the Amy Gillett Foundation continues to promote actions to make cycling safer in Australia, such as:
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Media Release 21 March 2016
Amy Gillett Foundation and Toll ask everyone to share the road this Easter
Cyclists and Toll truck drivers alike came together in Ballarat today as the Amy Gillett Foundation cautioned for safety on our roads this Easter holiday period through its ‘a metre matters’ campaign.
“A metre matters for drivers overtaking bicycle riders at Easter. Our regional roads are always busier than usual and more families will be out on their bikes over the holiday period,” said Phoebe Dunn, CEO of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
“A metre matters all year round but we’re joining with Toll today to stress this simple message over the break.”
The ‘a metre matters campaign’ highlights the need for a one metre minimum overtaking distance between vehicles and bicycles on the road, with that distance becoming 1.5 meters when travelling at speeds more than 60 kilometres an hour. Toll drivers in Ballarat were today educated on the message by Foundation patron Simon Gillett.
The ‘a metre matters’ campaign has led to law changes in South Australia and Tasmania and current trials in the ACT, Queensland and New South Wales, with the Foundation urging other states to follow suit.
“The impact of Queensland and South Australian trials has been positive, and with the ACT and NSW recently commencing trials we urge all remaining states and territories to introduce minimum overtaking distance legislation,” Ms Dunn said.
“In the meantime, all drivers this Easter weekend can observe a metre matters to increase safety for anyone riding a bike.”
At the launch of the Easter message today in Ballarat, Toll pledged its ongoing support for the campaign while announcing that it is extending its partnership with the Foundation.
“Toll is a proud partner of the Amy Gillett Foundation and is delighted to be continuing our association with the Foundation and their key road safety campaigns such as a metre matters,” said Mal Grimmond, Divisional Director of Toll Domestic Forwarding.
“Toll spends more time on Australian roads than anyone else so road safety is our top priority, so we are passionate about spreading the Foundation’s safety messages. Everyone deserves to get home safely.”
In addition to financial support over the next 3 years, the partnership will see increased safety education for Toll drivers around cyclists (as its drivers in Ballarat received today), and ‘a metre matters’ branding will feature on many new Toll vehicles over the term of the partnership.
The Amy Gillett Foundation is appreciative of the support from Toll.
“The Foundation receives no ongoing government funding so the support of key partners like Toll is crucial in our capacity to continue our efforts to make cycling safer in Australia,” Ms Dunn added.
About the Amy Gillett Foundation
The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver whilst cycling 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. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community safety organisations and the public to create a safer bike riding environment in Australia.
Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia
Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities
As Australia’s leading cycling safety organisation, the Amy Gillett Foundation continues to promote actions to make cycling safer in Australia, such as:
About Toll
Toll is an Australian transport and logistics company that employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Safety on Australian roads is key to Toll’s business and with this in mind Toll has been a major supporter of the Amy Gillett Foundation since 2011.
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Media Release 22 February 2016 |
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Louisa Lobigs announced as Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship recipient
Canberra’s Louisa Lobigs has been selected as the recipient of the 11th Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship. The Holden Women’s Cycling Team member is the current ACT individual time trial champion and in 2015 placed sixth at the Australian National Championships in the same discipline. The scholarship provides Lobigs with the opportunity to live, train and compete in Europe, racing for theHigh5 Australian Women’s Road Development Team. The selection panel were unanimous in choosing Lobigs as the scholarship recipient because of her sporting potential, her alignment to the values of the Amy Gillett Foundation and her commitment to a career outside sport, which currently sees her completing a PhD at the University of Western Australia. Lobigs, 25, will follow in the footsteps of previous scholarship recipients, serving as an ambassador of the Amy Gillett Foundation. In this role she will be raising awareness about the Amy Gillett Foundation’s mission of creating safer bike riding in Australia and vision of zero bike rider fatalities. “On behalf of the Board and management team we congratulate Louisa on being selected as the 2016 Amy Gillett Cycling Scholar, and we look forward to working with her to achieve a safer cycling environment in Australia,” chief executive officer, Phoebe Dunn said. Amy Gillett Foundation Patron and member of the scholarship selection panel Simon Gillett was delighted to unveil Lobigs as the 11th recipient of the Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship. “Amy had a great love for life, sport and education,” Gillett said. “This scholarship is a legacy to Amy’s life and ambitions, and Louisa is showing the same excellence and determination in her sport as well as her education.” “Louisa has the potential to become a superb athlete, and we can’t wait to see the passion she will bring to her role as an Ambassador,” Gillett continued. After applying for the scholarship for a third consecutive year, Lobigs was excited to discover she was successful this time around. “It’s a real honour, a lot of amazing athletes have had it in the past and it’s inspiring to be able to represent Amy and the work of the Amy Gillett Foundation,” Lobigs said. After her sporting career, Lobigs’ second passion in life is community health. After completing a Bachelor of Medical Science at the Australian National University Lobigs is completing a PhD focused on biomarker and blood volume variations in relation to the anti-doping tool, the Athlete’s Biological Passport. Juggling a PhD and training commitments is challenging but provides great perspective. “I love training and that takes up a good part of my day, but I find the Uni work gives me the balance I need to stay motivated in my training and at Uni,” Lobigs said. Like many bike riders in Australia, Lobigs has kept an eye on the work of the Amy Gillett Foundation, particularly with the recent success of the Foundation’s minimum overtaking distance campaign – ‘a metre matters’- in QLD, SA, ACT, Tasmania and NSW. “In the past year or so there has been a big push for the ‘a metre matters’ campaign and similar campaigns coming from the Foundation,” Lobigs said. The Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship is awarded annually on fulfilment criteria that includes cycling achievements and future potential, work and study experience, aspirations, personal and team qualities, and other sporting background. Past Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship recipients include: Kimberley Wells (2015)* Lizzie Williams (2014)* Jessica Mundy (2013) Jessica Allen (2012) Jo Hogan (2011)* Rachel Neylan (2010)* Amber Halliday (2009) Carlee Taylor (2009)* Carla Ryan (2007) Jessie MacLean (2006) *designates current professionals |
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About the Amy Gillett Foundation
The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver whilst cycling 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. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community safety organisations and the public to create a safer bike riding environment in Australia.
Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia
Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities
As Australia’s leading cycling safety organisation, the Amy Gillett Foundation continues to promote actions to make cycling safer in Australia, such as:
· ‘a metre matters’ laws across Australia, to make sure drivers overtake cyclists safely · safer vehicles and safer speeds · investment in cycling infrastructure · teaching drivers how to share the road safely with bikes, including during driver education |
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Media Release 9 October 2015 |
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History made as ‘a metre matters’ becomes law in South Australia
In a landmark decision South Australia will become the first Australian state or territory to implement permanent minimum overtaking distance when overtaking bicycle riders. To begin on 25th October the new law is part of a range of safe cycling measures to be implemented in South Australia following recommendations by a Citizens’ Jury in January. The new rules will require road users to give bicycle riders at least one metre on roads with speed limits of up to 60kmh, and 1.5 metres for anything above that speed. Amy Gillett Foundation chairman Mark Textor welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to become the first Australian state to pass the rule into law and congratulated Premier Jay Weatherill and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan for the history making initiative. “The decision is a breakthrough for the Amy Gillett Foundation and marks a significant milestone in the foundation’s history,” Mr Textor said. “Having commemorated ten years since Amy’s death earlier this year, we now have the first state to put ‘a metre matters’ into law. The Foundation has spearheaded the national effort on this because it will help save lives.” Mr Textor said with Queensland currently undertaking a two-year trial, a trial in the ACT to commence in November and now South Australia passing the minimum overtaking distance into law, we are seeing the commitment to making bike riding safer spread across Australia. “Amending the road rules to mandate a minimum overtaking distance will help reduce crashes between vehicles and bike riders by changing behaviour. We know that the ‘one-metre rule’ trial is working in Queensland and it will have an immediate impact on the safety of bike riders in South Australia,” Mr Textor said. “A metre matters because it provides a practical measurement for drivers when overtaking bike riders. As Australia’s leading bike rider safety organisation, our mission is to achieve zero bike fatalities in Australia and this move will make a difference in achieving that goal.” Amy’s mother, Mary Safe, said “we are thrilled that South Australia is leading Australia in safe cycling. The public consultation earlier this year showed very strong support for these improvements to bike rider safety”. South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephen Mullighan said the rules aimed to improve road safety and cut the number of accidents. “All cyclists this summer will be able to use our roads knowing there will be new rules in place to enhance their safety,” Mr Mullighan said. Bike SA chief executive officer Christian Haag said the trial is a welcome protection for bike riders in the South Australia.
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About the Amy Gillett Foundation About a metre matters A national update on a meter matters and the current status in each state and territory can be found inthis document. Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities |
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Media Release 8 October 2015 |
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Phoebe Dunn appointed CEO of the Amy Gillett Foundation
The Amy Gillett Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Phoebe Dunn as its new chief executive officer, commencing 12 October 2015.
Ms Dunn brings to the Amy Gillett Foundation extensive leadership experience across the public, private and not for profit sectors, with strategic advisory, policy, project and legal expertise.
She has held leadership and senior management roles with the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments and was a senior lawyer with leading international law firm Ashurst (formerly Blake Dawson).
Ms Dunn has also held senior leadership positions and strategic advisory roles in the not for profit sector, most recently in the visual arts as chief executive officer of the Australian Commercial Galleries Association and as director, strategy and development at the Melbourne Art Foundation.
In addition to her role as board director of contemporary dance company Phillip Adams BalletLab, Ms Dunn is a fitness enthusiast, marathon runner and commuter cyclist who has a strong vision for the future of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
Ms Dunn said she was looking forward to charting the next course in the evolution of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
“I am delighted to be joining the Amy Gillett Foundation, to take up the challenge of promoting safer cycling in Australia, and safer roads for everyone,” Ms Dunn said.
“The Amy Gillett Foundation is the leading cycling safety organisation in Australia, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity, as we work towards achieving our vision of zero bike rider fatalities.”
In announcing the appointment Amy Gillett Foundation chairman Mark Textor said Ms Dunn will take the lead role in driving the next phase of the development and growth of the foundation.
“Next year we will mark the tenth anniversary of the Amy Gillett Foundation and whilst we have achieved much, we also have much more to do,” Mr Textor said.
“Phoebe’s extensive experience in designing, developing and delivering policy reform, along with her experience in government and law, along with events and fundraising will allow her to lead our team through this next exciting phase.”
“As Australia’s leading bike rider safety organisation, we are driven by our core mission to reduce the incidence of death and injury of bike riders, creating a safer bike riding environment in Australia, and we look forward to Phoebe leading the organisation in this pursuit,” Mr Textor said. Mr Textor thanked interim CEO Belinda Clark for her significant contribution in recent months and announced that she will join the board of the foundation.
“Belinda stepped in to the role of interim CEO during a period of significant transition following the resignation of Tracey Gaudry. During this time we commemorated ten years since Amy’s death, staged our biggest annual event in Amy’s Gran Fondo and announced the ACT government’s two-year trial of ‘a metre matters’ road safety legislation which commences on 1 November.”
“We are thrilled that she has agreed to join the board and will continue to offer her significant expertise to the foundation and provide a smooth transition as Phoebe commences in the role of CEO,” Mr Textor said.
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About the Amy Gillett Foundation The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver whilst cycling 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. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community safety organisations and the public to create a safer bike riding environment in Australia.
Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities |
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Media Release 21 September 2015 |
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A metre matters in the ACT from 1 November 2015
The Amy Gillett Foundation welcomes the ACT government’s implementation of a minimum distance when overtaking bicycles as part of a new package of road safety laws designed to make bike riding safer in the ACT.
To begin on 1st of November 2015, the ACT will commence a two year trial of the ‘metre matters’ rule that requires drivers to provide a minimum distance of one metre when overtaking a cyclist in speed zones at or below 60km/h and 1.5 metres in speed zones above 60km/h.
The trial follows an ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry into vulnerable road users last year which identified a range of measures that could be introduced in the ACT to improve safety for cyclists and other road users.
In its response to the inquiry, the ACT government has agreed to undertake the two year minimum passing distance trial. The government also agreed to develop a community awareness and education strategy for the trial and establish a Cyclist Code of Conduct for the ACT.
Amy Gillett Foundation interim chief executive officer Belinda Clark congratulated the ACT government on delivering on the commitment it made following last year’s inquiry and said the trial will make bike riding safer in the ACT.
“Amending the road rules to mandate a minimum overtaking distance will help reduce crashes between vehicles and bike riders by changing behaviour,” Ms Clark said.
“A metre matters because it provides a practical measurement for drivers when overtaking bike riders. As Australia’s leading bike rider safety organisation, our mission is to achieve zero bike fatalities in Australia and this move will make a difference in achieving that goal,” Ms Clark said.
In 2014, the ACT had 33 crashes involving cyclists hit either from behind or side-swiped in the same direction. Introducing a minimum overtaking distance will improve road safety for cyclists as it will clarify the law and remove doubt for drivers over what constitutes a safe distance when overtaking people riding bicycles.
“This trial is about sharing the road safely together. A metre matters on all roads in the ACT, regardless of whether there are bicycle lanes or not.
“The ACT has joined Queensland as a leader in cycling safety, strengthening its position as a bicycle friendly city, and the Amy Gillett Foundation congratulates the ACT government for implementing the new road safety laws.” Ms Clark said.
The trial is working well in Queensland and three-quarters of Queenslanders support the minimum overtaking distance, as found by community attitudes research the Amy Gillett Foundation commissioned. Almost two-thirds of bicycle riders noticed an increase in the space drivers give them since the Queensland Government’s landmark trial legislation was introduced in April 2014.
“We have welcomed the opportunity to work with the ACT government, roads authorities, bicycle and motoring organisations, the police and other organisations to get to this point and look forward to a successful trial so that the amended road rules stay in place after the trial ends in November 2017,” Ms Clark said.
ACT Minister for Justice, Shane Rattenbury said the ‘metre matters’ laws have already achieved success in QLD where the trial of the laws is working well and SA, where they will be introduced soon.
“When driving a vehicle, we need to remember that we are in control of around 1,200 to 2,000 kilograms of metal, travelling at more than 12 metres a second when driving at 50km/h – which can kill in an instant.
“On the road, cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they are smaller and have less crash protection than motorists,” Mr Rattenbury said.
To support the amended road rules drivers are allowed to cross centre lines, straddle lane-lines and drive on painted islands, provided the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic and that it is safe to do so.
“An awareness campaign will commence in mid-October to educate road users about these changes and ensure everyone understands the new rules,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Pedal Power ACT executive officer John Armstrong said the trial is a welcome protection for bike riders in the ACT.
“The safe overtaking rule is already there, but this provides a number for the driver to think – am I giving the cyclists a metre or 1.5m when I’m overtaking?
It’s a great move to assist cyclists, who are vulnerable road users, and it will certainly be welcomed by Pedal Power members in the ACT,” Mr Armstrong said.
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About the Amy Gillet Foundation The Amy Gillett Foundation was born out of tragedy, the death of Amy Gillett, who was hit by a driver whilst cycling 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. We work with all levels of government, road authorities, corporate, motoring, cycling and community safety organisations and the public to create a safer bike riding environment in Australia.
Our Mission is for: Safe cycling in Australia Our Vision: Zero bike rider fatalities
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