[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 87 (Thursday, June 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING RIDE TO WORK DAY

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2011

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Motorcycle 
Safety Caucus I rise to recognize Ride to Work Day.
  Since 1992, this event has been organized by the Ride to Work 
organization and is intended to increase public awareness of 
motorcyclists; promote the use of bikes as consistent methods of 
transportation; and increase motorcycle safety.
  This year, on June 20th more than a million riders will commute to 
work on their motorcycles and scooters. This annual event offers riders 
an opportunity to highlight motorcycles and scooters as viable, fun, 
and fuel-efficient modes of transportation.
  In 2008, more than 25 million Americans operated a motorcycle at 
least once--and that number is expected to rise as more Americans 
recognize motorcycles and scooters as attractive commuting options. 
Motorcycles and scooters can save riders money at the fuel pump, and 
help to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign sources of oil, as 
motorcycles are considerably more fuel-efficient than most other 
vehicles.
  As more Americans choose two wheels over four it becomes even more 
important to focus on motorcycle safety. As a doctor I know how 
important safety is when riding and sharing the roads. Riders and their 
machines are smaller and harder to spot--and given that motorcyclists 
make up a relatively small percentage of all road users, drivers often 
do not expect to encounter motorcycles. It is therefore important that 
we take every opportunity to remind all road users to be aware on Ride 
to Work Day and every day.

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