LANSING – The Michigan House today approved a plan proposed by State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) to promote more fuel-efficient commuting practices by designating the third Wednesday in July as "Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day" throughout the state.
"I proposed this plan because our quality of life depends in large part on the choices we make each and every day," said LeBlanc, an avid biker. "With gas prices topping $4 a gallon, filling up your tank every week is becoming very expensive. If more people start riding their motorcycles to work it will save money at the pump and help lessen our dependence on foreign oil."
LeBlanc's plan will add Michigan to the growing number of states participating in Ride to Work Day, which is nationally recognized on the third Wednesday in July. This year, Ride to Work Day is scheduled for July 16.
According to the U.S. Census, there are more than 129 million commuters in the U.S. and 6.6 million registered motorcycles. However, only one percent of commuters ride motorcycles to work regularly – less than 150,000 people.
"There are millions of motorcycle riders across the country," LeBlanc said. "If more commuters rode their bikes to work, just think how much less gas we would use. We would need fewer parking spots, use less gas and do less damage to our roads. Not to mention, the morning commute would be a lot more fun."