United States Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) Joins Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus Washington, D.C., Jan. 6, 2009 – U.S. Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) officially joined the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus in December 2009. He joins a bipartisan group of Members of Congress including Caucus Co-chairs Representatives Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), committed to improving and advancing the safety of motorcyclists. Forbes commented, “While motorcycling is fun recreation and affordable transportation, it is important to remain focused on safety. The Motorcycle Safety Caucus encourages motorcyclists to get trained and licensed, obey traffic laws, avoid mixing riding with alcohol and wear proper, motorcycle-specific safety gear, but it doesn’t stop with riders. The Caucus serves to also remind other motorists that motorcyclists use the roads as well, and to remember to look for motorcycles particularly when turning or changing lanes.” The Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck noted “The Motorcycle Safety Caucus has actively highlighted 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. We are thrilled that Congressman Forbes has decided to join and look forward to his contributions to the Caucus.” Duane Taylor, MIC’s director of federal affairs said, “We know that Congressman Forbes will be a valuable addition to the Caucus, and we are excited about all that the Caucus will do to highlight motorcycle safety in the new year.” 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 trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms 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.