The Georgia Department of Driver Services Motorcycle Safety Program encourages all motorcyclists and scooter riders to ride to work on Monday, June 17, for the 28th annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day. The event demonstrates the practical benefits of motorcycles.
“Riding a motorcycle to work is a great commute option for those whom are properly licensed and capable of safely handling a motorcycle,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “If you are not properly licensed, please consider a GMSP training class to ensure you are sharing the road safely.”
“Motorcyclists already know how much fun it is to ride and how easy motorcycles and scooters are to maneuver in traffic and to park,” said Holly Hegyesi, GSMP Program Manager and avid motorcyclist. “Ride to Work Day helps call attention to the benefits of riding a motorcycle and gives us a chance to share our enthusiasm with non-riders.”
The event also provides an opportunity for motorcyclists to highlight important issues, such as driver awareness of motorcycles, rider safety and rider education for life. “Commuting to work, especially on a designated day, highlights the positive aspects of motorcycling and the importance of riding safely every time,” Hegyesi said.
Tips for Motorists
· Look Twice – Save A Life - Look for motorcyclists. Use your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around, you and check the blind spots when you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.
· Focus on Driving — Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers, and drive.
· Use Your Turn Signals — Signal your intentions for everyone’s safety.
· Give Two-Wheelers Some Room — Don’t tailgate or pass too closely.
· Take Your Time — Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.
All these principles can be boiled down to this paraphrase of the Golden Rule: Drive near others as you would have others drive near you.
Event organizers estimate that more than 1 million moto-commuters participate in Ride to Work Day each year, shortening commute times, reducing road congestion and consuming less fuel than a commute by car. The event is always the third Monday in June. For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.dds.georgia.gov/motorcycles or download the free DDS mobile app DDS 2 GO.