This Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, more than 3,000 cyclists arrive in Lorne, Victoria to ride on fully closed roads to fundraise and raise awareness for cycling safety and the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF).
The Amy Gillett Foundation held the inaugural Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo in 2011 as a tribute to the legacy of Australian Olympic cyclist Amy Gillett, tragically killed by a driver while on a training ride in Germany.
Each year, Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo sees thousands of people riding for sport and recreation along Victoria’s magnificent coastline. Riders donate and fundraise to support the work of the AGF, Australia’s peak cycling safety organisation.
Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo celebrates Amy’s life and contribution to Australian cycling and is a weekend where cyclists come together to call for increased safety and better protection on the road.
“We are excited to be hosting our ninth Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo. The Great Ocean Road was Amy’s favourite place to ride, and we know it is for many of our supporters as well. It’s a privilege to be hosting our event with the support of our local community partners at the Surf Coast Shire and the Victorian State Government,” said Andy Sheats, AGF Chairman.
The AGF designed the event to maximise economic return to the state and region. Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo attracted over 13,000 total event visitors in 2018. One independent economic analysis stated that the event generated more than $20m in economic activity for the region.
“We’re proud to support the local community, and we appreciate the opportunity to raise awareness of the need for cycling safety,” said Mr Sheats.
The Amy Gillett Foundation is Australia’s peak cycling safety organisation. The AGF’s vision is for zero cycling fatalities
Approximately 38 cyclists die on Australian roads each year, and tens of thousands are seriously injured in crashes. One in five people injured on Australian roads and paths is a cyclist.
Already in 2019, 26 cyclists have lost their lives on Australian roads.
Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo is the only Australian cycling event with a compulsory safety briefing. This briefing ensures riders are empowered to take care of themselves and other road users before, during and after their ride at Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo.
“Thank you to all our supporters in the Great Ocean Road Region. It’s tremendous to be back in Lorne to celebrate our love of riding and raise awareness of the need to look after each other on the road. Safety for cyclists is really just about looking after one another and making sure we all get to where we’re going safely. We hope everyone has a fabulous weekend full of sunshine and tailwinds,” said Mr Sheats.
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