Amy’s Foundation was founded in 2006 after the tragic death of Amy Gillett OLY, an exceptional Australian cyclist and Olympic rower. Amy's life ended tragically during a training ride with the Australian National Team in Germany, when a driver lost control of their vehicle, forever changing the lives of Amy’s family, friends, and teammates.
Motivated by Amy’s enduring legacy, Amy’s parents, Mary and Denis Safe, together with her husband Simon Gillett, established Amy’s Foundation (formerly The Amy Gillett Foundation), to honour Amy’s memory and drive meaningful change in road safety.
Our mission is clear: to build a culture of mutual respect between cyclists and motorists, enhancing cyclist safety through effective legislation, advanced technology, and improved infrastructure. Our vision is ambitious yet essential—zero cyclist fatalities and serious injuries on Australian roads.
Today, Amy's Foundation is recognised as Australia’s leading cycling safety organisation. Our singular and dedicated focus empowers us to concentrate expertise, resources, and advocacy specifically on cycling safety. One of our landmark achievements is the nationwide adoption of Minimum Passing Distance, 'A Metre Matters', law, mandating a minimum safe passing distance between vehicles and cyclists, significantly contributing to improved safety across Australia.
Our approach integrates rigorous scientific evidence and practical insights through active collaboration with researchers, academics, engineers, and policy experts. We prioritise evidence-driven and data-informed strategies that translate into real-world impacts. Through key advocacy campaigns and ongoing policy efforts, we aim to shift public sentiment and behaviour towards safer, more respectful interactions between cyclists and motorists.
In early 2024, the Foundation faced and overcame significant organisational challenges, including voluntary administration. Thanks to strong community backing, dedicated partners, and a reinvigorated leadership team, we emerged stronger, recommitting ourselves to transparency, rigorous accountability, and strategic growth. Our revitalised board—comprised of industry leaders, advocates, and those personally impacted by road trauma—guides our renewed efforts with empathy and experience.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to enhancing cycling safety through strategic collaboration with policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and road safety authorities nationwide. Events such as the Share the Road Tour and Amy’s Gran Fondo are pivotal in raising essential funds, increasing public awareness, and promoting education around safe cycling practices.
Every voice matters, and every action counts. Join us as we continue our journey towards safer roads for everyone.
Join us—together, we can save lives.
