American Rider eNewsletter: Whether you only occasionally commute to work on two wheels or make it a regular habit, be sure to set aside Monday, June 19, to take your motorcycle or scooter to your job for the 32nd annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day.
According to the Ride to Work Day website, the idea for the event was inspired by “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by the Aero Design and Manufacturing Company, the Minnesota based manufacturer of motorcycle riders clothing now more familiar to our readers as Aerostich.The first Ride to Work Day was July 22, 1992, and for several years, the third Thursday in July was informally recognized and promoted by businesses as the day for two-wheeled commuting. In 2000, the 501(c)(4) nonprofit was formed to officially organize and promote the event.
In 2008, the day was changed to the third Monday in June to accommodate more riders worldwide, and starting next year and going forward, Ride to Work Day will be changed to the second Tuesday in June to avoid conflicting with the Juneteenth United States federal holiday. Event organizers say this particular day was chosen because it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday event, and because it is considered a demonstration event, they believed a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage than a Monday or Friday.
Along the lines of demonstration, the purpose of Ride to Work Day is to illustrate the following:
- The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
- Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
- Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
- Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation
Spread the Word!
