The Amy Gillett Foundation today deployed its revolutionary ‘Cyclist Ahead’ electronic warning signs to improve the safety of road users along the Deans Marsh-Lorne Road.
The Minister for Roads and Road Safety, the Hon Luke Donnellan, was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially commission the ‘Cyclist Ahead’ warning signs.
Located outside Lorne, in Victoria, the popular climb up Deans Marsh-Lorne Road is notorious amongst cyclists and the local community as a dangerous hot spot, as the road is narrow with no shoulder.
Utilising new solar powered detection technology that can differentiate cyclists from motorcyclists and cars, the ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs have been deployed in two locations, one at the start of the climb and one at approximately the halfway mark.
The ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs are triggered by passing cyclists and go into ‘standby mode’ for the time it takes for a cyclist to reach the next sign. The signs are then activated by cars or motorbikes, warning them that there are cyclists on the climb.
Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Phoebe Dunn said that the 12-month trial of the ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs is an important step in protecting vulnerable cyclists on dangerous roads.
“Bicycle riders are some of the most physically vulnerable users of our roads,” Ms Dunn said.
“The ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs will provide road users with advanced warning to look out for cyclists on the road, reducing the risk of collision and life threatening injuries, and the frustration that can be experienced by road users,” Ms Dunn continued.
“After a successful trail period, the Amy Gillett Foundation will look at deploying additional ‘Cyclists Ahead’ electronic warning signs around Victoria and Australia.”
Simon Gillett, Patron of the Amy Gillett Foundation and Race Director of the Foundation’s biggest annual event, Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo, said the signs were an important part of the event’s investment back into the local community.
“The ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs are an important legacy project that Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo brings to the local community,” Mr Gillett said.
“Without the generous support of the Lorne, Deans Marsh and the surrounding communities, our biggest annual event Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo would not be possible,” Mr Gillett continued.
“This area is renowned as a cycling mecca in Australia and around the world, with cycling bringing important economic stimulus to both the Surf Coast and Colac Otway regions.”
The ‘Cyclists Ahead’ warning signs are funded by the Amy Gillett Foundation together with grant funding received from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
About Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo*
* Multi-distance timed bike ride and cycling-oriented festival over 2 days in Lorne, originated from Italy.
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When: |
Sunday 11 September 2016 |
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Where: |
Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Victoria |
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What: |
120km Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo - New reverse course that concludes with breathtaking views along the Great Ocean Road & finishes on the main street in Lorne 45km Amy’s Media Fondo - Showcases the entire stretch of the picturesque Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Lorne (includes return bus) 7km Amy’s Family Fondo - Choose to do one or two laps of the 7km loop. Ideal for families, kids and the local community |
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Who: |
5,000+ amateur cyclists ranging from 5 to 75+ years. In 2015, 32.6% of participants came from both interstate and overseas to experience the thrill of riding the fully closed Great Ocean Road. |
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Website: |
Media inquiries:
Martin Wells – Marketing & Media Manager, Amy Gillett Foundation
M: 0437 405 085 | e: mwells@amygillett.org.au
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 in 2005. 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 by 2020.
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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