Australia’s first Dakar Rally winner and newly crowned Cross Country Rallies World Champion Toby Price is urging riders to get their bikes out of the garage for Ride to Work Week.
Toby is the ambassador for the second national Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week from October 22-26, 2018, organised by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
The 2017 industry-backed Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week was a low-key affair to test support.
It’s back again this year with riders urged to take their bikes in for a check after being hibernated over winter or not seeing as much regular activity.
Organisers say the concentrated week of two-wheeled commuting provides visibility in numbers for one of the highest-risk road user groups, drawing public attention to rider safety.
Ride more
“We just want people to ride more!” says Toby who is the newly crowned 2018 FIM Cross-Country World Rally Champion with victory in the recent Rallye du Maroc.
“There is always a big grin hidden under my helmet when I am riding or racing. Riding cuts congestion and commute times and makes parking easy, but it also makes you happy.
“In a world of constant distractions, motorcycles demand total focus. Riding clears your
mind, cuts stress and gives you back control of your day.”
Toby says the best way to keep riding safely is to keep motorcycles properly maintained.
“There is nowhere I would rather be than riding my bike, but it is a passion that requires risk management,” he says.
“That starts before you get on the road. Skipping across sand dunes at speed, I rely on a well-maintained, and reliable bike to get me home.
“The risks of racing are very different, but riding on the road demands the same approach and management.
“Before you start your commute or riding season, take your bike to its brands closest dealer.
Get it checked out. Make sure it’s up for the job and make sure it will get you home.”
How to join Ride to Work Week
Riders can participate by simply riding to work, or posting about their bike on the official Ride Your Motorcycle to Work website, Facebook page or @ridetoworkweek_au Instagram account.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber says the initiative aims to get riders back on their bikes, safely.
“The passion motorcyclists have for riding is incredible,” he says.
“Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week is about sharing that passion while reminding riders to make sure their bike is operating correctly, that it’s safe and prepared for their commute, and for the summer riding season.”
Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week is an initiative of the FCAI, supported by Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-AM BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha.