MSF Invites All Motorists to Celebrate Ride to Work Day, July 21, 2004

IRVINE, Calif.--July 20, 2004--With the increasing popularity of motorcycles, more and more riders are on the road than ever before. This will be especially true on July 21, 2004, the 13th annual "Ride to Work Day," when organizers estimate that there will be triple the number of riders on the road. The worldwide event involves hundreds of thousands of individual commuting riders and scores of organized rider groups.

Drawing attention to the need to 'share the road safely,' the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) urges all motor vehicle drivers to be on the watch for motorcycles this Wednesday. Says MSF President Tim Buche, "Motorists often don't think to look for motorcycles on the road. In fact, the most common type of collision occurs when a driver pulls out from an intersection directly in front of a motorcyclist. Usually they say they never even saw the rider. That's why it's key for all motorists to be on the lookout for motorcycles and to respect their right to be there. That applies not only to Ride to Work Day, but everyday."

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers these guidelines for motorcyclists:

1. Get trained and licensed.

2. Be a lifelong learner.

3. Wear protective gear.

4. Ride Straight.

5. Ride within your limits.

"Riding to work on this day shows the positive value of motorcycling for transportation. Commuting motorcyclists everywhere are seeking employer recognition and appreciation of riding, and greater governmental and public acknowledgment of the advantages of transportation motorcycling. For many people, riding is a socially responsible form of personal mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits," stated event organizer Andy Goldfine, according to press materials distributed on the event website, www.ridetowork.org. "Ride to Work Day reveals that motorcyclists come from all walks of life, work in all occupations, and range in age from teenagers to grandparents."

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation(R) (MSF) has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Vengeance, Victory, and Yamaha. For RiderCourse(SM) locations, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.