Hi, thanks for taking the time to read about my fundraising effort for the Amy Gillet Foundation! Their 'Metre Matters' campaign is (and will always be) really close to my heart. I hope I can encourage you to think about putting a few dollars towards this incredibly important cause. 

On a hot February afternoon in 2016 I was doored by a driver in a parked car and subsequently hit by a second car after falling onto the road. I ended up with a compound fracture in my left leg and also fractured my hip, sacrum, L5, sternum and wrist. After spending most of 2016 rehabilitating I've been very fortunate to walk away with incredible gratitude for the Alfred, the Epworth, the TAC, Kieser, family, friends, colleagues.

You're welcome to check out my blog for more about my experience - www.jenniferandersen.me.

This accident was preceded by a smaller but similarly frustrating incident in March 2014 when our bunch travelling at 40kmh was cut off by a driver, which resulted in a broken collarbone, a torn ligament and chipped teeth for me and breaks/injuries for others in our group. 

I had originally said no to getting on a bike again, thinking there would surely be countless other ways to keep fit. With running proving more difficult than expected and the allure of chasing a black line down a 50m pool starting to wear a little thin, my mind keeps returning to cycling. I've put together a shortlist of reasons why cycling is worth investing in for a third time lucky:

1. The people: The cyclists I've been fortunate to ride with have been some of the kindest, generous and entertaining people I've been privileged to spend time with. They sent videos, messages, gifts and endless amounts of support this year, for which I am incredibly grateful. I miss their company and the fun you can have even on those freezing Melbourne mornings when even the birds are still asleep. 

2. Getting outdoors: Endorphines, being outdoors in the fresh air and seeing the world from a different perspective. I've spent quite a bit of time inside a gym this year and it will never come close to the feeling of riding on an open road.

3. The social benefits: I honestly think if everyone rode a bike the world would be a better place. We might slow down to enjoy the journey to our destinations a little more too :) 

For my two accidents there are so many others who have experienced terrible injuries and fatalities as a result of driver distraction and inattention. It alarms me that there seems to be limited awareness of the damage at least 500kg of metal vehicle can do to such a vulnerable human on the road.  All it takes is an extra moment for a quick glance, a momentary pause to consider someone else. It seems our world is so caught up in the perpetual rush and there's never enough time, that is until it happens to you. Arriving at your destination 5 seconds sooner vs not sending someone to the emergency department seems like a straightforward decision to me.

I haven't really been on a bike much since February so this will be quite a challenge for me, even though most of my friends would knock over a 35km ride without breaking a sweat. I'm hoping to enjoy the day, take in the fun atmosphere and share the day with whoever is joining in! 

I really hope we can help by promoting a safe, inclusive and more human way of looking out for each other on the roads. The Amy Gillet Foundation is a great place to start given their role in introducing the 1m passing legislation in select states. They are continuing to advocate for greater adoption of this policy and your contribution to the cause is hugely appreciated. I've set a ridiculously high goal for fundraising so let's see how it goes!