WASHINGTON, D.C., June 17, 2011 – 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.”
