Washington, D.C., – The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) joined with the co-chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus, Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, the U.S. Capitol Police and the American Motorcyclist Association to highlight motorcycle safety and the month of May being designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The event held at the U.S. Capitol kicked off the riding season for many parts of the country and called for responsible riding from motorcyclists and increased awareness of motorcyclists by other road users. U.S. Representatives Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) participated as co-chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus. The Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress committed to improving and advancing the safety of motorcyclists. The event also offered an opportunity for leaders to extol some of the advantages of motorcycling. “There are many other reasons why motorcycles are so popular, but one explanation is simple economics: the rising cost of gas”, said Representative Giffords. “Motorcycles offer a more fuel efficient – and cheaper way – of getting around. And as a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, I am committed to working with all my constituents and colleagues in Congress to move our country forward and continue our tradition of international leadership on environmental issues. I am proud that, as a motorcyclist, I am leaving a smaller footprint on our earth by just riding my bike.” Rep. Burgess stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For riders, that means ride responsibly. For everyone else on the road, stay alert and don’t let dangerous distractions divert you attention from the road.” Burgess and Giffords have also sponsored a House resolution (H. Res. 339) that highlights Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Giffords spoke about the resolution saying, “This resolution encourages riders to always wear helmets and other protective gear, to never drink and ride, and to be properly licensed and trained. It also serves as a reminder to all riders and motorists to always share the road respectfully.” H. Res. 339 will likely be considered by the full House in early May. Secretary Peters commented, “As a biker myself, I know motorcycle safety begins and ends with riders taking personal responsibility. That means proper training, proper gear, and a DOT certified helmet every time you ride.” MIC President Tim Buche also participated in the event and offered his appreciation to federal decision makers, “I’m happy to see that federal leaders are committed to motorcycle safety and I look forward to continuing to work with them to do our part to make 2008, and each year moving forward, a safer year for motorcyclists.” Buche continued, “Each and every road user – a motorcyclist out on a relaxing ride or commuting to work, a family in a van headed for a vacation, or a truck driver delivering product – has a role to play in highway safety. Ride and drive carefully. Obey traffic laws. Always be conscious of other motorists. You may save a life.”