June 16, 2021
By Joy Burgess
Ride to Work Day is an annual event created with the mission of “advocating and supporting the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and providing information about everyday riding to the public.”
The very first Ride to Work Day event took place on July 22, 1992, and the event was first inspired by Aero Design and Manufacturing Company’s “Work to Ride — Ride to Work” marketing materials. Some of the earliest advocates for the event with Aerostich/Riderwearhouse, Road Rider Magazine and Dunlop Tires.
It wasn’t until 2000 that Ride to Work — a nonprofit organization — was formed to both organize and promote Ride to Work Day. Today, the event happens every third Monday in June. The 501(c)(4) nonprofit is an all-volunteer effort and organizers include former AMA Board Member Andy Goldfine, Christine Holt and Lynn Wisneski.
“Here’s what you can do to help with this year’s 30th annual Ride to Work Day,” said Ride to Work Day founder Andy Goldfine, “which is coming up soon on Monday, June 21st. First, obviously, ride your motorcycle somewhere. If you work from home or are retired, then at least head out for a ride to get some ice cream or whatever. Just go riding. Even if only for errands.”
“Second,” Goldfine added, “share information about riding and RTW Day with all the local media and social media you can, via text or email to their websites and to any ’thought leaders.’ Also send this stuff around to riding friends and ask them to do the same. The goal is to have all media pay more attention to the positive social and societal value of riding. The benefits of riding go way beyond just providing fun for riders. Most people don’t know this, and they should. You can make a difference for motorcycling.”
Here’s your chance to get involved in advocating for and supporting the use of motorcycles as transportation. And all you have to do is ride your motorcycle. So don’t forget to pull out your bike for the 30th Annual Ride to Work Day on June 21 and ride to work…or anywhere. Just ride!