AMA Go Ride Safely! Week Stresses Rider Training And Protective Gear

The final phase of AMA Go Ride! Month begins today and the weeklong theme is "Go Ride Safely!" Sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association, AMA Go Ride Safely! week promotes rider training and the use of appropriate riding gear to help ensure that every ride is enjoyable and every rider is prepared for the unexpected.

"When it comes to riding responsibly and reducing risk, the AMA strongly encourages its members and all motorcyclists to take rider training and wear protective gear," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "In addition, we advocate nationally for driver awareness programs to alert other roadway users to our presence in traffic."

During AMA Go Ride Safely! week, riders are encouraged to pass along their responsible-riding practices by submitting photos and comments to submissions@ama-cycle.org and responding to daily calls-to-action on the AMA Facebook page.

"I can think of no better way to kick off Motorcycle Awareness Month in May than by stressing training and proper gear."
- Rob Dingman, AMA President and CEO

"I can think of no better way to kick off Motorcycle Awareness Month in May than by stressing training and proper gear during the last week of AMA Go Ride! Month," Dingman added.

Throughout April, AMA Go Ride! Month has been celebrating the motorcycle lifestyle and providing motorcyclists nationwide with information, contests and prizes from Helmet House, Shoei, HelmetLok, Bikebandit.com and Choice Hotels. AMA members are encouraged to enter the contests to win prizes.

AMA Up, Down, All-Around Flash Tour Contest
The AMA Up, Down, All-Around Flash Tour is a contest for street and dirt riders. Participants submit a photograph of a trip to the highest, lowest or most remote part of their state, or an historical or cultural landmark unique to the state. Each week a winner is selected to receive a Helmetlok next-generation lock and cable set.

Freedom Friday Weekly Photo Contest
Another weekly photo contest, Freedom Friday, alerts riders to important issues that pose threats to motorcycling freedoms. This week's theme is "Fuel for Thought," which calls attention to the possible harmful effects of E15 fuel on motorcycle engines. The issue can be illustrated with a photo of a motorcyclist near a gas pump or station that sells E15 or, if not available, other blends. The best photos will earn two lucky AMA members an AMA gift bag and a BikeBandit.com gift card.

Choice Hotels Gas Mileage Contest
A third weekly contest sponsored by Choice Hotels awards a $100 gas card and two nights' stay at a Choice Hotel, good in 2013. Entrants just email their name, AMA number, the difference between the gas mileage of their bike and their car or SUV, put the words "Choice Hotel" in the Subject line and send to submissions@ama-cycle.org.

Qualifying AMA members in all contests will also be entered into a month-end drawing for great prizes from AMA partner Helmet House, including a Shoei helmet, Tour Master Intake jacket and Cortech tank bags. Contest details can be viewed at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/riding/goride/contestdetails.

AMA Go Ride! Month encourages motorcyclists everywhere to enjoy the thrill of riding in the dirt and on the street. Be sure to visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/riding/goride and www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist for breaking news and announcements about 2013 AMA Go Ride! Month.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association