Ford Performance Racing Driver Supports Cycling Safety

Ford’s V8 Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom will be taking the two-wheeled path later this year when he will climb on a bicycle to participate in the Ford Otway Cycling Classic in Geelong on November 7. The Australian cycling race will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and will be centered around the “Share the Road” campaign.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of how cyclists and motorists can safely share the road together to help minimise accidents. The proceeds of the cycling fundraising event will be used to support the community not-for-profit organisation, United Way Geelong Region.

“Drivers seem to be increasingly concerned with slower moving road users such as cyclists and can rush to overtake, even when it isn’t safe to do so. My tip for road users is to give at least a one-metre space when passing. Cyclists often have to avoid potholes and gravel. Giving them more space can save lives. And please be patient. If it is not safe to pass, just wait a few seconds. Remember speed kills,” Winterbottom said in a statement for the press.

The not-for-profit association behind the aforementioned campaign, Bike Safe, will be showcasing road safety tips from some sporting personalities, such as Billy Brownless and James Podsiadly from the Geelong Football Club, current world cycling champion Cadel Evans and V8 racer Mark Winterbottom.

The tips will be revealed in the lead up to Ford Otway Cycling Classic, with Mark’s tip appearing on arterial roads in the Geelong Region, local advertising and bike shops.

Celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Ford Falcon, cyclists will receive a unique branded jersey as part of their entry package. Entries are limited to 1000 cyclists and can be registered here.