At 2Wheels we're right behind Ride to Work Day, which this year is on Tuesday, June 10.
What is it?
Ride to Work Day is the world's largest event aimed at promoting safe motorcycle use on the commute to and from work.
Launched in the US in 1992, Ride to Work Day encourages commuters to ditch the car or public transport for the day and use their motorbikes, scooters or mopeds to get to work. The day celebrates the huge contribution the motorbiking community makes to reducing carbon emissions and pollution as well as easing congestion and making the journey to and from work easier and less stressful for everyone.
In the UK…
In the UK the day is promoted by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), and they say it's a great day to celebrate all things motorbike. MAG said:
Motorcycles are a key part of a multi-modal and sustainable transport future. They provide social, economic and environmental benefits in a world currently dominated by the car.
We know that more commuters are turning to motorcycles as a better solution than the car, and offer a way to fill the gap between active travel and public transport without relying on the car.
Riding to work on our motorcycles helps to reduce congestion for all road users. At the same time we also cut carbon emissions and improve air quality in our towns and cities.
In addition, reduced congestion improves mental wellbeing for the workforce as their journey is made easier and less stressful, and creates massive economic savings for the country.
So on Tuesday, June 10, let’s ride to work – you may be surprised by how much time and money you save, and how much fun you’ll have!
If you’re an employer…
MAG is particularly keen to encourage employers to get behind the event. What can you do to help your team commute on their motorbikes?
Here are some ideas:
- Provide safe and secure bike parking spaces at work
- Organise training deals with local CBT riding schools
- Promote motorbike safety awareness events and campaigns
- Provide a changing area or showers so bikers can get out of their riding gear when they arrive
- Look to extend existing staff benefit policies to cover motorcycle use or purchase.
The Motorcycle Action Group has put together a great factsheet for employers, which outlines some of the steps they can take to make their workplace more biker friendly.
You can find them, and more, on the MAG website, at http://ride-to-work-day.mag-uk.org/ride-to-work-resources/
So let's spread the word about Ride to Work Day, and get on our motorbikes on Tuesday, June 10.