Secretary Land asks everyone to share the road on ?Ride to Work' Day

More motorcycles and scooters than usual are expected to be out this Monday, June 15 for Ride to Work Day and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is encouraging everyone to share the road.

Ride to Work Day is an annual effort nationwide to heighten visibility and promote the benefits of motorcycling. It is sponsored by Ride to Work, a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation. Gas savings, less pollution and traffic congestion as well as minimal space needed for parking are just some of the advantages of two- and three-wheeled commuting promoted by the group.

"Motorcycling is a fun, cost-effective and practical means of transportation, and its popularity is growing," Land said. "Ride to Work Day provides an additional incentive for riders to take to the road. To keep everyone safe, motorists and motorcyclists must drive responsibly and share the road."

Land explained that it is important for drivers to keep alert for motorcyclists at all times, especially at intersections, when changing lanes and at night when crash risks are greater.

Motorcyclists are responsible for ensuring they have the proper gear, training and skills to ride, and that their motorcycle is in good operating condition. A motorcycle endorsement is required to legally operate a motorcycle on Michigan roads.

To obtain an endorsement, riders must pass a written knowledge test and successfully complete a motorcycle safety class or a skills test given by a state-authorized third-party testing organization. The safety class is required for 16- and 17-year-olds as well as for adults who fail the rider skills test twice.

The Department of State administers Michigan's Motorcycle Safety Program. It oversees the network of public and private training programs. The state has more than 530,000 licensed riders. Approximately 30,000 residents are expected to attend motorcycle training or complete a third-party skills test this year.

The first Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day was observed July 22, 1992. More information can be found at www.ridetowork.org.

Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for information about motorcycle safety.