Millions expected to ride in 19th annual event PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is encouraging all motorcyclists to help demonstrate the tangible benefits of commuting to work on a motorcycle on Monday, June 21, in celebration of national Ride to Work Day — and to be safe while doing it. “Ride to Work Day is a great way to show that motorcycles are fun to ride as well as an economical way to transport yourself from one point to another,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “With so many more riders on the road at this time of year, it’s also a good opportunity to extend a note of caution to riders and motorists alike as part of the I AMAware campaign, which emphasizes safety on the road through enhanced awareness of fellow road users. “I AMAware is a national program that encourages both defensive riding by motorcyclists and alertness by fellow road users,” Dingman said. “In most car-motorcycle crashes, the driver claims he or she never saw the motorcyclist. By increasing awareness of motorcyclists on the road, crashes can be avoided, and lives can be saved.” Since its inception in 1992 by Aerostich/RiderWearHouse’s Andy Goldfine, who also sits on the AMA’s Board of Directors, Ride to Work Day has become an international event, with participation in cities around the world and recognition by the U.S. government. In the United States in recent years, both U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and Michael Burgess (R-Texas), co-chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and longtime supporters of motorcyclists’ rights, have recognized the day on the floor of the House of Representatives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 80 million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America’s motorcycles and scooters are ridden to work. “Ride to Work Day is one of our best advertisements for the motorcycling lifestyle,” said AMA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “With more riders on the road during rush hour, these benefits become even clearer. Motorcycles and scooters are a socially responsible form of transportation that reduce fuel consumption and wear and tear on roads, ease congestion, make parking easier and exponentially increase the fun of your commute.” This year will be the 19th annual Ride to Work Day. More information about Ride to Work Day can be found at RideToWork.org. 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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. More, from a press release issued by Motorcycle Industry Council: Monday Provides Opportunity to Highlight Motorcycles as a Viable, Fun, Fuel-Efficient Mode of Transportation Washington, D.C. 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.