June 17th Is Ride To Work Day

Monday, June 17, is International Ride to Work Day, so hopefully you’re showing allegiance by getting on two wheels as we speak. Or maybe you’ve already done your part?

As you may already know, Ride to Work Day is always observed on the third Monday in June, ostensibly to celebrate the joy of motorcycle riding, but it’s also an opportunity to send a positive message to the non-riding public. (Like we need a reason, right?) But to make a greater impact on those who don’t get our passion, we’re still encouraging all motorcyclists (and scooter riders) to ride to work this Monday. The official title of the event is the 28th annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day, so even if you’re on a Zuma or a Metropolitan, get your butt out there.

The American Motorcyclist Association points out that it’s also a prime chance to get on your own soapbox and share the issues that affect your daily ride, whether it’s distracted drivers, being forced to slosh ethanol fuel in your older bike, motorcyclist profiling by the Man, parking restrictions… Or maybe you just want to yak about the benefits of legal lane-splitting. Whatever you’re passionate about, have at it—today’s the day.

Event organizers estimate that more than 1 million two-wheel commuters take part in Ride to Work Day each year, shortening commute times, reducing traffic, and sucking down less fuel than cars. “Motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and take up less space in parking areas and on roads,” states Andy Goldfine, an event organizer. More than 100 American cities recognize Ride to Work Day by proclamation.

A 2011 study in Brussels by Transport & Mobility Leuven concluded that if 10 percent of cars on the roads of Belgium were replaced with motorcycles, exhaust emissions would fall 6 percent and traffic congestion would be reduced by 40 percent.

Ride to Work Day is a nonprofit organization. More information is available at ridetowork.org.