Australia’s peak cycling body, AusCycling, and cycling safety advocate Amy’s Foundation have announced a new three‑year partnership focused on reducing cyclist deaths and serious injuries nationwide.
This collaboration unites advocacy, education and research efforts to push for safer roads for everyone who rides a bicycle.
Cycling in Australia faces a stark reality. Over the past 12 months, Australia recorded its highest annual road toll since 2010, with 41 cyclists killed and more than 8,700 hospitalised due to road crashes. The figures highlight a persistent and widening safety gap for vulnerable road users, and a critical national road safety challenge.
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner says the partnership with Amy’s Foundation (formerly Amy Gillett Foundation) will enhance the effectiveness and impact of shared road safety priorities from government to grassroots.
“Every cyclist death is preventable,” Fechner says. “By joining forces with Amy’s Foundation, we can build a stronger, unified voice for change - bringing together sport, community, research and policy. Our goal is not just awareness, but measurable safety improvements across every state and territory.”
Under the agreement, AusCycling and Amy’s Foundation will collaborate to:
- Enhance road safety outcomes for all cyclists and bike riders
- Promote public education and awareness initiatives for road safety issues affecting cyclists and bike riders
- Increase the effectiveness of shared initiatives including campaigns, research and community engagement supported through an annual implementation plan
Amy’s Foundation Managing Director Katherine Bates says too many Australians are killed or seriously injured while riding their bikes, adding the partnership will elevate momentum for reform and change.
“This partnership brings together the peak body for cycling and the national voice for cycling safety. It means we can speak with one voice on the need to protect people who ride, and deliver safer roads across Australia,” Bates says.
“Cyclist safety is at the heart of everything we do. Joining AusCycling creates an opportunity to embed safety education across the sport, influence policy, and deepen connections within the cycling community.
“Together we can drive stronger road safety outcomes, give riders the confidence they deserve, and ensure that cycling continues to grow as a safe and celebrated part of Australian life.”
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Thousands of cyclists will descend on Victoria to ride along the Great Ocean Road, which will be closed to traffic for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and Amy's Gran Fondo. Photo: Supplied
AusCycling already supports safety through programs like AusBike, which teaches children aged five to 12 foundation-level riding skills in a fun, structured way. This new alliance expands reach and coherence across advocacy, education, infrastructure and behaviour change.
The partnership between AusCycling and Amy’s Foundation will be officially launched at a ceremony in Lorne, Victoria this Saturday, October 18, during the 2025 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.
More than 1,500 of the best amateur cyclists from over 60 nations will contest the October 15-19 titles, which this year coincides with Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo.
Geelong and the Surf Coast region will co-host the five-day event, with Victoria Police to oversee progressive road closures throughout.
Over 2,000 bike riders, including Australian cricket great Peter Siddle and Olympic swimming champion Mack Horton, will participate in Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo on Sunday, October 19 - a mass public ride to be held on fully closed roads, in support of Amy’s Foundation.
Media accreditation for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo is open until October 17. Press wishing to attend either event or Saturday’s partnership ceremony can register here.
Main Image: Supplied