Drivers may notice more motorcycles on their morning commute Wednesday. July 16 marks the 12th annual Ride to Work Day, an event that encourages motorcycle owners to drive their bikes to the office to promote the positive aspects of motorcycling.
The event spotlights motorcycles as socially responsible transportation that uses less gas than cars, takes up less space on the roads and in parking garages and is less damaging to roadways than cars, said one of the event's organizers, Andy Goldfine.
Goldfine is president of Aerostitch Design and Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Duluth, a firm which produces and sells motorcycle gear and attire. A marketing idea of his sparked Ride to Work Day more than a decade ago.
"I had some stickers made up to say "Work to Ride, Ride to Work," a parody of the Harley Davidson creed "Live to Ride, Ride to Live," Goldfine said. "Some magazine editors in California saw them and asked to use the idea to promote a ride to work day."
A grassroots movement grew up around the idea and according to the Ride to Work Web site, several million riders from around the world get on their bikes to get to work every year on the third Wednesday in July. Ecuador, Germany, Great Britain, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Turkey and the United States officially recognize the event.
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That is good for the environment and good for the motorcycle industry, Goldfine said.
"Motorcycles are excellent personal transportation," he said.
John Hernesman of RJ Sport & Cycle agrees. "The Ride to Work Day promotes the idea that motorcycles are a good way to save fuel and an efficient way to get to work," he said.
Specialized clothing, such as a coverall that goes over a business suit, and accessories that can transport a brief case, make driving to work on a bike a realistic option, Goldfine said. And with proper safety gear and drivers who exercise caution, "Motorcycles are a safe way to get around," he added.
He rides his Honda bike to work everyday he can, from the time the spring rains wash away the winter salt on the roads to about Halloween, when the Northland's snow season begins.
Goldfine hopes that a day dedicated to riding to work on motorcycles will raise awareness of the motorcycle as socially responsible transportation and make the point that riders come in all ages and from all professions.
And above all that, "It's fun," he said.
More information on Ride to Work can be found on the event's Web site at www.ridetowork.org .
