Volusia and Flagler County, FL – Law enforcement organizations in Daytona Beach and Flagler County have released information about increases in law enforcement presence and road access for Biktoberfest 2017, which runs from Thursday, October 19, through Sunday, October 22.
The Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) has released information on road access during Biketoberfest near the city’s busiest areas. The City anticipates that Main Street, North Beach Street, Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. and Daytona International Speedway Blvd. will be the busiest areas in the area, especially at night. Drivers should anticipate potential road restrictions.
The DBPD warns that the roads between Auditorium Street and Harvey Street may be restricted at some point during the weekend. Roads that may be restricted include Oleander Ave., Wild Olive Street, Grandview Ave., and Hollywood Ave. Residents and business owners will be accommodated in the event of a road closure. The Main Street Bridge may also be restricted during peak traffic. Drivers wishing to go to beachside are encouraged to use the Seabreeze and Broadway/US 92 Bridges.
Traffic permitting, these are the anticipated traffic routes for Biketoberfest:
Near Beach Street, drivers should expect motorcycle only parking. The area near Indian Motorcycle Company, located at 290 N. Beach St., is expected to have high volumes of pedestrians and traffic, potentially requiring officers to direct traffic during peak hours.
On Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., public parking may be restricted. Side streets on the 800 block will be closed off, however, major roadways in the area will remain open. The DBPD does not expect there to be any major traffic near the Daytona International Speedway. Some traffic changes may be made according to how much traffic comes into the area.
Motorcyclists are reminded to drive quietly as excessive noise is forbidden by state laws and local ordinances. Police are also warning drivers that they will be paying attention to posted signs regarding parking and will be enforcing them.
In Flagler County, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is reminding residents that 100,000 people are expected to flock to the area over the weekend. They warn that A1A, US 1 and SR 100 will be especially impacted by Biketoberfest events.
“With the fun and festivities planned, there will be a large increase in the number of motorcyclists on our roads,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “To keep it a safe and celebratory weekend, all drivers need to be aware of the increased traffic and watch for bikers before changing lanes or driving through intersections. Looking twice could save a life.”
FCSO patrol units and DUI patrol units will increase presence on A1A and US 1 through Sunday. Signs and message boards will be posted in areas of major traffic concern.
“We are happy to have the visitors and we want them to enjoy the events and have fun,” said Staly. “What we don’t want is traffic accidents and fatalities. We have already seen increased traffic in our county and had one motorcycle accident over the weekend resulting in a trauma alert taken to the hospital. That is what we’re hoping to avoid. Slow down and if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.”
More information about Biketoberfest 2017 can be found here.
Photo courtesy of DaytonaBeach.com
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
