Warne picked to front road safety campaign

Updated

Victoria's road safety body is defending its decision to use cricketer Shane Warne - who was involved in a road rage incident with a cyclist in Melbourne earlier this year - in a safe driving campaign.

The prolific tweeter has been picked to front a new social media campaign for Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

But it seems the road safety body overlooked the fact Warne was allegedly involved in a skirmish with a cyclist in Melbourne last January.

Cyclist Mathew Hollingsworth claimed the cricketer bumped him with his Mercedes, almost forcing his leg and bike wheel under the car, causing more than $1,500 damage to his bike.

Warne denied the claim and said the cyclist had hit his car, thumped the bonnet and been abusive.

He told reporters he had nothing against cyclists but some of them think they own the road.

David Lee, from the Amy Gillett Foundation, campaigns for the reduction of deaths and injuries among cyclists.

"Those comments back in January from Shane only inflame the situation and we believe don’t actually go any way to making the road a safer place for everybody," he said.

"We'd like to think that, in the passing of time, Shane has come to understand [and] acknowledge that a little more.

"We'd be keen to hear his further thoughts about his attitude with regards to bike riders sharing the road with motorists."

The TAC has not addressed the issue of Warne's appointment, except to say that the TAC has a partnership with two T20 Big Bash teams, including Warne's Melbourne Stars, to engage young men in a road safety message throughout the cricket season.

The TAC says it believes everyone should be a road safety ambassador and show respect for all road users.

Mr Lee is supporting that message.

"They’re trying to get to a young age demographic, mainly of males 18 to 30, and certainly Shane has an ability to connect with that audience," he said.

"So if it means that young people take notice of the message, then we’re certainly really supportive of that.

"And hopefully Shane is also keen to support the fact that it's important that all road users get home, not just motorists."

Warne's management company did not respond to AM's request for comment.

Topics: road, cricket, melbourne-3000, australia, vic

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