5 Tips for Motorcyclists During Bike Week

Keep this information in mind when you head to Daytona next month to ensure a fun, memorable and safe Bike Week event. 

The world’s largest motorcycle event will be taking over Daytona Beach on March 6-15, 2020. Over 500,000 local and out-of-town enthusiasts will enjoy activities such as motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, manufacturer showcases and street festivals. Multiple Central Florida venues will host events and many local Harley-Davidson dealerships put on quite a show. 

Here are some tips for having a fun and safe Bike Week. 

Don’t get a ticket. There will be abundant law enforcement officers present in the Daytona Beach area during Bike Week. The city often recruits officers from other jurisdictions to patrol the most congested areas, such as Main Street, Beach Street and U.S. 1. Of course, the I-4 corridor between Kissimmee and St. Augustine will also have police presence. Bikers and motorists must be cognizant of the dramatic increase in motorcycle traffic that will occur and take extra care to avoid accidents. Further, bikers will be subject to higher scrutiny than motorists by the police while driving on the interstate and local roads.

Complete preventive maintenance. Before you head out on your motorcycle, program your GPS and flag any stops you want to make. Also, make sure the bike has undergone a thorough safety check and that all maintenance is up to date. Check your tire tread and tire pressure. Make sure your brakes are crisp and responsive. Check the fluid levels and address any fluids that require replacement. Check your lights and make sure your battery is fully charged or replaced.

Check the weather.No matter how good a condition your bike is in, having a plan in place for bad weather is important. Keep raingear on your bike or in your backpack. Have a plan for shelter in the event there is rain that’s too difficult to navigate through. Check traffic reports and consider that rush hour may be extended by a few hours in the morning and evening for bikers coming and going to Daytona.

Bring your bike home. Motorcycle thefts are a common occurrence at Bike Week. Task force police officers work undercover to apprehend bike thieves, but preventing the theft is your best defense. Keep your keys with you at all times. If your bike has a front fork lock, use it. Place your helmet, jacket and valuables in your locked saddlebag or locked under the seat. 

Safety first.Most deadly motorcycle accidents are alcohol-related. Although it’s easy to get swept up into riding to the next venue without a care, leave enough time between drinking and riding so that you don’t feel the effects of alcohol. While it’s not the law for those over 21, consider wearing your helmet whenever you ride. Most accidents during Bike Week occur in high traffic areas and at slower speeds. A helmet can prevent injury or significantly reduce the severity of injury.  

As my mother would remind me, this is Florida. Use sunscreen when enjoying the scenic rides and festivities.  

Mr. Brehne has dedicated his 20-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”