The annual event Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week has adapted to the difficulties of 2020, scrapping the phrase ‘To Work’ from its logo.
Set to run from September 21-27, this year’s event encourages motorcyclists to ‘Ride This Thing Out’, and take their bikes out to promote good mental health and good old fashioned fun.
“There’s no doubt 2020 has been challenging, but together we can ride this thing out,” said FCAI motorcycle manager Rhys Griffiths.
“The pandemic has hit everyone hard and the mental health benefits of riding are well documented. Riding makes you happy and right now, Australians need a break. The biggest smiles are always hidden behind a helmet.”
Mr Griffiths also suggested that this initiative may highlight the social distancing benefits of using a motorcycle or scooter as a means of transportation.
“Riding has a real role to play in helping Australia get back to work, offering socially distanced transportation and alleviating congestion and parking issues,” he said.
“Our aim this year is primarily about reminding Aussies how much fun they can have on a bike, but our secondary goal is to capture the attention of policy makers who too often overlook riding in developing transportation infrastructure.”
The similar annual event Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) has also needed to adapt to the current climate, coming up with a novel way of virtually connecting and raising funds for men’s health.
In 2019, DGR brought together 116,000 motorcyclists across 100 countries, but this year presents challenges that force the rethink.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) outfit is encouraging motorcyclists across the globe to take part in the event’s first-ever ‘solo edition’, scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, 2020.
The idea will see its participants ride solo or with a pillion on that date. Using social media channels and the DGR website, riders will be encouraged to engage socially, sharing pics and stories of their day.
In a recent statement, FCAI stressed that motorcyclists should make sure they adhere to the relevant government regulations when going for a ride.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
