Next week boots will be chosen over dress shoes and leather instead of the suit as motorcycle enthusiasts make the opportunity to participate in ‘Ride to Work Day’.

It is the nineteenth year the organization of the same name has encouraged bikers to ride tow work who wouldn’t otherwise take two-wheels for the daily commute. And the call is being heard with an expected one million Americans are expected to take the motorcycle to work on Monday, June 21^st.

Organizers hope the annual event highlights the benefits of motorcycles such as using comparatively less fuel, cause less pollution with less impact on infrastructure as well as the smaller space needed to park a motorcycle, an important concern in America’s crowded cities and urban areas.

Initially organized in the United States, Ride to Work Day is now recognized by the International Motorcycling Federation and is a worldwide event, involving hundreds of thousands of individual commuting riders and dozens of organized rider groups. Everyday riders can spread the good word of Ride to Work Day with free artwork and flyers available at the organization’s website.

Of course, what would any national motorcycle event be without some advice from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)?

 Riders: 

• Get properly trained and licensed – Take an MSF RiderCourseSM and obtain the appropriate motorcycle license endorsement from your state.
• Wear all the gear, all the time – Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection, as well as over-the-ankle boots, gloves, riding jacket and pants.
• Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs – Riding under the influence dramatically decreases a rider’s necessary skills, especially vision and judgment.
• Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws – Every rider should know their personal limits, and never ride faster or farther than their abilities can handle.
• Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses – Riding skills are perishable, so take an occasional refresher course. No matter how often or how long you’ve been riding, there is always room to learn something new.

For drivers: 

• Focus on Driving - Don’t be a distracted driver. Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player and food, don’t focus on pets and passengers and never text while driving.
• Look for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check blind spots when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
• Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don't tailgate, change lanes or pass by too closely.
• Use Your Turn Signals – When changing lanes or making a turn, signal your intentions. Motorcyclists need to know where you’re going just as much as other motorists do.
• Keep it in the Car – Don’t throw trash and cigarette butts out the window, and secure cargo so that it cannot fall out on the road and become a deadly hazard.

“Whether on your way to the office or heading home from a day on the job site, workers should be aware of the need to look out for motorcyclists,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “Regardless of how many wheels you have, both drivers and riders need to be aware and respectful of their fellow road users, especially during typical commuting hours when roadways are crowded and people may be tired, distracted or hurrying to get somewhere.”