Dear Toorak College Family Members

It is almost 2 years now since our Son, James, was killed when he was knocked off his bicycle by an opening car door in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn - a "dooring" incident. Unfortunately, these accidents are becoming more common.

Only recently, the Coroner delivered her verdict that James's death was preventable and put forward a number of recommendations. This led to widespread media interest because of the ever growing number of cyclists on our roads. Our Government promotes cycling because of the health benefits and lack of impact on our environment. But little has changed to lessen the risk of accident to a cyclist.

Last year, our family held a music event, attended by over 1000 family members, colleagues and friends, at Morning Star, Mt Eliza on a glorious March evening to celebrate James's love of music. Money raised was donated to TRAG [Teenage Road Accident Group), volunteers who speak to Year 12 students in every secondary school on our peninsula. Over the years,90,000 students have received powerful messages about the impact of road accidents and the promotion of road safety. Our most vulnerable age group is 18-25 years.

It is our wish that something positive can be gained from James's unfortunate death. We are holding a community music event at The Briars Homestead, Mt Martha on Sunday 18th March 2012. Whilst the focus will be on music, once again, there will be activities for children together with wonderful food, wine and beer from our Mornington Peninsula. The event is aimed at families and will be friendly to cyclists.

We are in the process of establishing The James Cross Charitable Trust with the aim of supporting research and activities that promote road safety, particularly where cyclists are involved. All monies raised at this event will assist the work of TRAG and Bicycle Network Victoria who, in conjunction with the Amy Gillett Foundation and several inner city local councils, are organizing a public awareness campaign relating to "dooring" accidents - Operation Door Knock, that will be launched at Crossy's .

For the concert to be successful, we invite you and your family and friends to join us at The Briars. Tickets may be purchased through Oztix. Should you not be able to attend, we would gratefully accept a donation or sponsorship.

The responsibility for safety on our roads lies with motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Whatever we can do to prevent needless trauma (and its terrible consequences on family and friends) is energy well spent,

Kindest regards,

Michael, Nicky, Hannah, Will & Tom Cross