AMA reminder: Every day is Earth Day when you ride a motorcycle PICKERINGTON, Ohio — On Earth Day 2010, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is reminding motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike of the environmental benefits of commuting and traveling on a motorcycle. “Every day is Earth Day when you ride a motorcycle,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “Whether riding down the block, across town or coast to coast, you are doing the environment and your fellow earthlings a favor when you do so from the seat of a motorcycle or scooter.” A typical motorcycle can provide fuel mileage that exceeds that of most fuel-efficient automobiles. Many motorcycles return more than 50 miles per gallon, and many scooters can deliver nearly twice that. In addition to using less gasoline, motorcycles require less oil and other chemicals to operate. Motorcycles take up less space than cars and trucks both during operation and when parked. They reduce traffic congestion and, in so doing, help increase the efficiency of traffic flow on the road. Significantly fewer raw materials are utilized to produce motorcycles and scooters compared to cars and trucks. By some measures, it requires thousands of pounds less metal and plastic per vehicle to produce a motorcycle. These environmental benefits are realized during production as well as at the end of the vehicle’s useful life when it is recycled. Because motorcycles and scooters are so much more compact and lighter than cars and trucks, they cause far less wear and tear on the highways, reducing the cost and environmental impact of infrastructure repairs. In addition, because of their size, many more motorcycles can be transported from factory to consumer using the same or less energy. “Although most of us take up riding to experience the thrill and freedom that motorcycles provide, there are undeniable environmental benefits from the sport and lifestyle as well,” Moreland said. “Riding is not just fun, it’s also easy on your bank account and the planet.” Moreland added that anyone interesting in coming along for the ride should visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > New Rider (~http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/roadride/NewRider/index.asp~) for more information about getting started in motorcycling. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.