Motorcycling to Work
Journey to Work 2000 was compiled by the U. S. Census Bureau from the decennial Census of Population to provide information on where workers live and how they commute to work. Among the 128.3 million workers in the United States in 2000, 76 percent drove alone to work, 12 percent carpooled, 4.7 percent used public transportation, 3.3 percent worked at home, 2.9 percent walked to work, and 1.2 percent used other means of transportation (including a motorcycle or bicycle).
A 2008 survey conducted by Nationwide Insurance Company found that with higher gas prices there is an increase in motorcycle riding. The survey results indicated that 35 percent of motorcycle owners plan to ride their bikes more over the next year as a result of higher gas prices with riders turning their riding hobby into an everyday form of transportation. Rising fuel costs have prompted many weekend bikers to become daily motorcycle commuters. Riders reported spending 26 percent of their total riding time last year commuting to work.
More Americans than ever have motorcycles – 6.2 million registered motorcycles are on the road at last count. Commuters across the country, pushed by soaring gas prices and a sagging economy increasingly are turning to alternate means of getting to and from work. While recreational riders have boosted motorcycle sales over the years, more recently riders have discovered that their motorcycle is a good alternative for travel to work, one which often provides access to restricted commuters lanes, easier and less expensive parking, and in many cases a faster commute. Historically, commuters become more interested in “motocommuting”-- using a motorcycle for commuting -- whenever there is a spike in gas prices.
There is no current reliable motorcycle travel data to accurately determine how many people are riding motorcycles and for what purpose. It’s apparent from surveys and from motorcycle sales, that there is an increase in ridership but the data doesn’t yet exist to enable researchers to confidently illustrate trends. But with worsening traffic and mounting incentives, industry analysts, motorcycle dealers and local riders believe motocommuting could soon become trendy, especially in the more congested urban areas.
Motorcycle Commuter Facts
- Out of a total 129,141,982 commuters in this country 147,703 ride motorcycles to work regularly. That’s about 1.1 percent. (US Census)
- Of all the motorcycles registered in the USA, (6,567,197) 4.3% of them are used for year-round primary transportation (282,389), with an additional 9.9% used seasonally for this purpose (932,542 total). (Motorcycle Industry Council)
Sources for Facts about Motorcycling to Work
- Motorcycle Industry Council, Inc (MIC)
MIC is a not-for-profit, national trade association created to promote and preserve motorcycling and the U.S. motorcycle industry. More than 300 members represent manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, parts and accessories, as well as allied trades such as publishing, insurance and consultants. Dealers, clubs and individuals are not eligible for membership. The council is involved in activities in government relations, statistics, communications, technical, and aftermarket programs. The MIC also provides data and other resources; such as test information, news updates, to non-members.
Site: www.mic.org
- Discover Today's Motorcycling (DTM)
The MIC's Discover Today's Motorcycling program provides various services to the news media and also
provides consumers with information on motorcycling. DTM is the resource on motorcycling for American news media, providing background, interviews, photography and fielding hundreds of inquiries each year.
Site: www.motorcycles.org
RTW is a national, Minnesota-based 501(c)(4) charitable organization that encourages motorcycle commuting by increasing awareness of motorcycling as a transportation alternative. Its annual Ride To Work Day, the United States' largest motorcycle event by number of participants, is designed to increase awareness of motorcyclists among other road users.
Site: www.ridetowork.org
