If you've been complaining that there's a Mother's Day and a Father's Day, but no Motorcyclists' Day, then you haven't really been paying attention.Truly, the annual Ride To Work Day, falling on Wednesday, July 16 this year, can be considered our day. OK, so technically it was established to encourage commuting via two wheels, and motorcycle and scooter groups and organizations actively encourage riders to commute by cycle on this day, but you get the drift. Think of as a chance to spice up your daily commute, and in the process, save a little gas. The first Ride to Work Day took place in 1992. It was inspired by the "Work to Ride - Ride to Work" program created in the late 1980s by Andy Goldfine, the founder of Aerostich/RiderWearHouse, (a manufacturer of riders gear and accessories). Eventually several moto-businesses informally advocated every third Wednesday in July as Ride To Work Day, and in 2000, a non-profit organization was formed to promote the event throughout the motorcycling community. Today, Ride to Work Day has evolved into an international grassroots movement, and many cities, including Cincinnati, Milwaukee and San Diego have officially proclaimed July 16 as Ride to Work Day. The non-profit Ride To Work advocacy organization promotes using more motorcycles and scooters in the daily commute because their positive effects on traffic flow and urban parking. In addition, studies have shown that motorcycles and scooters consume fewer resources per mile and motorcyclists reach their destinations faster than car drivers.

Participation in the yearly event is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road. For more information, visit the newly expanded website at www.ridetowork.org.