Motorcyclists Nationwide to Celebrate Ride To Work Day on Monday

The Motorcycle Industry Encourages all Riders to Gear Up and Get Riding

IRVINE, CA – June 15, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – If you notice less traffic congestion on Monday, you’ll most likely be able to thank the thousands of commuters everywhere who will be ditching their cars, trucks and SUVs and riding their motorcycles or scooters to work for the 21st annual Ride To Work Day on June 18th. According to the Ride To Work organization, Ride To Work Day has been organized annually since 1992 to increase public awareness of motorcyclists; promote the use of bikes as safe, fun and reliable methods of transportation; and increase motorcycle safety.

The Motorcycle Industry Council and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are joining in by encouraging their own employees to participate. In fact, the associations are even encouraging staffers to take the longer, scenic route to and from work on Monday, and to take their time locating a cool, relaxing motorcycle-friendly spot for lunch amidst the concrete jungle of Irvine, Calif., where the MIC and MSF are headquartered.

“Obviously this is an event we support whole-heartedly,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Even though so many of our employees are long-time enthusiasts and already ride to work regardless of the date on the calendar, we’re providing our staffers with extra commuting time and free lunch on Ride to Work Day. Our goal for Monday is to be seen enjoying our motorcycles, morning, noon and night by everyone, especially those stuck in traffic. We also encourage other organizations to do what they can to help ease traffic congestion and promote motorcycling and safety.”

According to the MIC, there were more than 11 million motorcycles in use in the U.S. in 2009, operated by more than 27 million riders.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus Members Support Ride To Work Day

Representatives Burgess and Duncan Promote Motorcycle Safety and Urge Riders to Participate in Ride To Work Day on June 20th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 17, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus Co-Chair Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Caucus Member and House Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman John Duncan (R-TN) entered statements into the Congressional Record on June 16th urging riders to participate in Ride to Work Day on June 20, 2011.  This year’s event will mark the 20th consecutive year that motorcyclists have used Ride to Work Day as an opportunity to showcase the benefits of riding a motorcycle.

Burgess noted, “Since 1992, this event has been organized by the Ride to Work organization and is intended to increase public awareness of motorcyclists; promote the use of bikes as consistent methods of transportation; and increase motorcycle safety.”

Duncan highlighted the growing number of motorcyclists in America, his Congressional District and on his own staff.  “The Motorcycle Industry Council’s most recent information estimates that more than 21.5 million Americans operated a motorcycle in 2009. Many of these riders visited Tennessee, and specifically the 2nd Congressional District, which features some of motorcycle riders’ favorite roads in the Country. Two members of my own staff ride motorcycles for both fun and transportation.”

Both members highlighted motorcycle safety.  Duncan said, “As more and more Americans choose scooters and motorcycles as transportation options, or just choose to ride for recreation, it becomes ever more imperative that each of us does all we can to promote motorcycle safety.”

Burgess said, “As a doctor I know how important safety is when riding and sharing the roads. Riders and their machines are smaller and harder to spot–and given that motorcyclists make up a relatively small percentage of all road users, drivers often do not expect to encounter motorcycles. It is therefore important that we take every opportunity to remind all road users to be aware on Ride to Work Day and every day.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Senior Vice President, Government Relations Kathy Van Kleeck noted, “Ride to Work Day is an important opportunity for riders to make all road users, legislators and the general public aware of just how many motorcyclists and scooter riders use our roads, and MIC encourages all riders to don their protective gear and participate on June 20th.”

Duane Taylor, MIC’s Director of Federal Affairs said, “MIC would like to thank Congressmen Burgess and Duncan for their support of Ride to Work Day and for continuing to be champions for motorcyclists and motorcycle safety in Congress.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus Urges Riders to Participate in Ride to Work Day on June 21

Monday Provides Opportunity to Highlight Motorcycles as a Viable, Fun, Fuel-Efficient Mode of Transportation

WASHINGTON, DC – June 18, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In an open letter to motorcyclists the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus (CMSC) Co-chairs, U.S. Representatives Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Gabrielle Giffords, with Caucus Members John Duncan (R-TN), Bob Filner (D-CA) and Walter Jones (R-NC) urged riders to participate in the annual Ride to Work Day on June 21 and encouraged riders and other road users to focus on safety. Ride to Work Day encourages employers, government officials and the general public to be more aware that riders come from all occupations and walks of life and that riding motorcycles and scooters is a social good.

The Members state in the letter, “This year, on June 21, more than a million riders will commute to work on their motorcycles. This annual event offers motorcyclists an opportunity to highlight motorcycles as a viable, fun and fuel-efficient mode of transportation. We encourage you to participate and to use the day as a reminder to get involved in motorcycle safety.”

The letter encouraged riders to get involved and to do their part to help grow the Caucus, “Please help us…by contacting your Member of Congress and encouraging him or her to join the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus (CMSC). Information about your Representative and how to get in touch can be found by visiting http://www.house.gov/.”

The Caucus Members also noted that Ride to Work Day provides an opportunity to remind other road users of their role in motorcycle safety. “Our Caucus encourages drivers of cars, SUVs and other vehicles to be aware of motorcycles and to look out for motorcyclists. In over two thirds of fatal car-motorcycle crashes the driver of the car was at fault, making it very important that our audience is broader than just those who ride.”

To read the letter, visit: http://www.mic.org/downloads/2010.06.18%20Ride%20to%20Work%20Day%20Letter%20to%20Motorcyclists1.pdf.

To learn more about Ride to Work Day, visit http://www.ridetowork.org/.

The Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck said, “Ride to Work Day is an important opportunity for motorcyclists to make a positive statement and we would like to thank the Caucus Co-chairs and the other Members of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus for their involvement and continued commitment to motorcycle safety.”

Duane Taylor, MIC’s Director, Federal Affairs stated, “The CMSC is an effective voice for motorcycle safety. As noted in the letter, the CMSC has passed Congressional Resolutions supporting the goals of May As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, hosted a Capitol Hill event attended by the Secretary of Transportation, and ensured that motorcycle safety is remembered in the transportation reauthorization process as well as highlighting Ride to Work Day.” Taylor continued, “I encourage all riders to get involved and to ask their Member to sign up for the Caucus.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation Provides Tips for Sharing the Road on Ride to Work Day

Essential road rules can help motorists safely commute to work every day

IRVINE, CA – June 17, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – An estimated one million Americans are expected to swing a leg over their motorcycle on June 21 to help celebrate the 19th annual Ride to Work Day. As more people find motorcycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and fun way to commute, both drivers and riders can benefit from increased awareness. To help ensure that all motorists get to work safely, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a few simple rules for sharing the roads, on Ride to Work Day and every day.

Riders:

1. Get properly trained and licensed – Take an MSF RiderCourseSM and obtain the appropriate motorcycle license endorsement from your state.
2. Wear all the gear, all the time – Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection, as well as over-the-ankle boots, gloves, riding jacket and pants.
3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs – Riding under the influence dramatically decreases a rider’s necessary skills, especially vision and judgment.
4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws – Every rider should know their personal limits, and never ride faster or farther than their abilities can handle.
5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses – Riding skills are perishable, so take an occasional refresher course. No matter how often or how long you’ve been riding, there is always room to learn something new.

Drivers:

1. Focus on Driving – Don’t be a distracted driver. Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player and food, don’t focus on pets and passengers and never text while driving.
2. Look for Motorcyclists – Use your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around, and check blind spots when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
3. Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don’t tailgate, change lanes or pass by too closely.
4. Use Your Turn Signals – When changing lanes or making a turn, signal your intentions. Motorcyclists need to know where you’re going just as much as other motorists do.
5. Keep it in the Car – Don’t throw trash and cigarette butts out the window, and secure cargo so that it cannot fall out on the road and become a deadly hazard.

By following these rules, both motorists and motorcyclists can decrease the possibility of crashes that may cause serious injury or death. Drivers can visit www.forcardrivers.com to find more helpful hints on sharing the road safely with other motorists.

“Whether on your way to the office or heading home from a day on the job site, workers should be aware of the need to look out for motorcyclists,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “Regardless of how many wheels you have, both drivers and riders need to be aware and respectful of their fellow road users, especially during typical commuting hours when roadways are crowded and people may be tired, distracted or hurrying to get somewhere.”

Started in 1992, Ride to Work Day highlights motorcycling as not only a recreational activity, but also a practical means of transportation that millions of Americans use daily. Motorcycles are useful in easing traffic congestion, decreasing commuting time and preserving the environment, as they require less fuel and other limited resources to operate. Initially organized in the United States, Ride to Work Day is now recognized by the International Motorcycling Federation and is a worldwide event, involving hundreds of thousands of individual commuting riders and dozens of organized rider groups.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider education and training, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer programs for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by Yamaha, Victory, Triumph, Suzuki, Piaggio, KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BRP and BMW. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Reminder: Ride to Work Day is Monday, June 21

PICKERINGTON, OH – June 16, 2010 (Motor Sports Newswire) – Motorcycle and scooter riders’ 19th annual commuting day is this coming Monday, June 21. Participation in the yearly demonstration is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road. Motorcycle and scooter groups and organizations actively encourage riders to commute by cycle on this day.

On Ride to Work Day, motorcycle and scooter commuters seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation and increased public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.

Adding more commuting motorcycles and scooters makes urban parking easier and traffic flow better, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization. Studies have also shown that across the same distances, riders reach their destinations faster than those using automobiles. Most motorcycles and scooters also consume less resources per mile than automobiles.

“Riding to work on this day is fun and highlights the positive value of motorcycling. For many people, riding is a socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits,” stated Andy Goldfine, this year’s event organizer.

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

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U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) Joins Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus

Caucus Grows to 12 Members

WASHINGTON, DC – June 2, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) officially joined the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus on June 1, 2010, joining 11 other Members of Congress including Caucus Co-chairs Representatives Burgess (R-TX) and Giffords (D-AZ).  The Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress committed to improving and advancing the safety of motorcyclists.

“I have been a strong advocate of motorcycle safety for many years now,” said Jones.  “It is important that riders and motorists alike are reminded to take every precaution to keep our riders safe and this caucus serves as a great platform.”

Jones represents North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District along the eastern coast, an attractive area for many motorcyclists and home of the world famous Outer Banks which include Cape Hatteras, Kill Devil Hills, Duck Island, and the home of the world’s first airplane flight, Kitty Hawk.

The Motorcycle Safety Caucus and its members have been instrumental in focusing Congress’ attention on the safety of motorcyclists by passing Congressional Resolutions supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, hosting a Capitol Hill event attended by the Secretary of Transportation, drawing attention to Ride to Work Day and ensuring that motorcycle safety is remembered in the transportation reauthorization process.

The Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck noted “We are delighted that Congressman Jones has joined the Caucus and look forward to all of his contributions.”

Duane Taylor, MIC’s Director of Federal Affairs said, “We are excited that the Caucus is growing and encourage all riders to contact their Representative to encourage him or her to join as well.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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