[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS AS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to 
motorcycles and scooters as transportation options for many Americans.
  On May 13, President Obama proclaimed May 15th through May 21st as 
National Transportation Week. In the proclamation the President 
recognized that our Nation needs a safer transportation network that 
will provide more transportation choices. As a Member of the 
Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus I would like to highlight one 
such choice and point out that two-wheeled vehicles can be 
transportation options for many Americans.
  The Motorcycle Industry Council's most recent information estimates 
that 27 million Americans operated a motorcycle in 2009. Much of this 
use was primarily recreational; however, more and more Americans are 
choosing to ride to work, school, or to run errands.
  In his proclamation the President called for ``. . . increased 
transportation options that cut commuting time, ease traffic 
congestion, reduce oil consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 
. .'' Motorcycles and scooters are options that can help to meet all of 
these goals. Motorcycles and scooters also have the advantages of being 
much cheaper than cars or trucks as well as considerably easier to 
park--and a lot of fun to ride.
  I own a scooter myself and enjoying riding when I have the 
opportunity to do so. I have also noticed that a majority of riders are 
in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even alder.
  Of course as more Americans choose two wheels we must be ever 
vigilant in promoting safe and responsible riding. I will take this 
opportunity once again to encourage all riders to ride responsibly by 
getting trained and licensed and obeying traffic laws. I would also 
like to remind all road users to be aware of motorcyclists, 
particularly as we move into the prime riding season in Tennessee and 
across the country.

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