Amy Gillett's parents led the way for over 1800 cyclists riding to pay tribute to their daughter at South Australia's inaugural Amy's Ride on Saturday morning. Olympian Amy Gillett was tragically killed three years ago in a road accident in Germany while training with five members of Australia's women's team. An 18-year old driver lost control of her car and careened into all six riders.
Cycling enthusiasts, Amy's parents and friends filled the Southern Expressway this morning for the ride to McLaren Vale. Her parents, Denis and Mary Safe, were warmed by the amount of people who had turned up to share in the memory of their daughter.
"It's quite humbling to see this many people come out for this first-time event," Mrs Safe said according to The Advertiser. "We are all buoyed up by seeing people come out to address safe cycling and remember Amy."
The event's message to the community was to share the road and be respective of all road users, she said. The Amy Gillett Foundation was established to promote and encourage mutual awareness and respect of bike riders and motorists on our roads. Money raised from the event will go towards Amy Gillett Foundation's Road Right Program for learner drivers and the launch of AustCycle, a program to teach cycling skills, next year.
Each year, an average of 35 cyclists are killed and over 2500 are seriously injured on Australia's roads.
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