JULY 11, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today encouraged registered motorcyclists in Michigan to take part in national Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day on July 18, but emphasized that safety must always be at the forefront of riders' minds.

The event, now in its 16th year, was first proposed in an editorial in Road Rider magazine, now titled Motorcycle Consumer News. The nonprofit organization Ride to Work (www.ridetowork.org) advocates commuting on a motorcycle for several reasons:

• It is fun and leaves the rider alert and energized 
• It reduces traffic and parking congestion and pollution
• It uses less fuel than an automobile
• It is less destructive to road surfaces

"Motorcycling is an enjoyable activity for hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents and I encourage them to join in this nationwide observance," Land said. "As always, I urge riders and other motorists to share the road and take the precautions that help prevent crashes."

Land reminded motorcyclists to protect themselves and their motorcycles by getting properly trained and licensed, wearing the appropriate safety gear, following all traffic laws and avoiding drugs and alcohol when riding.

The Department of State administers Michigan's Motorcycle Safety Program. It oversees the network of public and private training schools. The state has more than 500,000 licensed riders. More than 20,000 residents are expected to attend motorcycle training or go through a third-party skills tester this year.

All riders must take a knowledge test and successfully complete a safety class or a skills test with a third-party examiner before a motorcycle endorsement is issued. The endorsement is designated as "CY" on a driver's license. A safety course is required for 16- and 17-year-olds as well as for adults who fail the rider skills test twice.

Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about motorcycle safety.