Myrtle Beach area officials lay out Bikefest plans

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/05/24/1492692/police-lay-out-bikefest-plans.html Myrtle Beach area officials lay out Bikefest plans Local, state officers prepare for the holiday By Lorena Anderson - landerson@thesunnews.com A sea of bikes lines 30th Avenue South in Atlantic Beach on May 22 as participants check out the selection during the first day of the Atlantic Beach Bikefest in Atlantic Beach. Photo By Randall Hill rhill@thesunnews.com

With a diminished Harley-Davidson presence already in the Myrtle Beach area's rearview mirror, local law enforcement agencies are now turning to this weekend's Atlantic Beach Bikefest.

Not much is changing this year in the preparation, but no one's sure how many bikers will pour into local roadways. We talked with North Myrtle Beach city spokeswoman Nicole Aiello, Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins with the S.C. Highway Patrol and Lt. Doug Furlong with the Myrtle Beach police about what sort of traffic patterns and police presence to expect.

Question | Do you expect a greater number of motorcycles for Atlantic Beach Bikefest this year?

Aiello | It's always difficult to predict the number of motorcycles coming to any of the bike events, and Atlantic Beach Bikefest is no exception. Although the Department of Public Safety doesn't think the city will see an inordinate number of motorcycles this year, officers are preparing for not only a large number of motorcycles, but also an increased number of other motor vehicles.

Collins | The number of motorcycles that may attend is difficult to predict; however, we will have troopers in place to assist motorists and motorcyclists for both the Bikefest and the Memorial Day holiday traffic on the Grand Strand.

Furlong | We are unable to determine that at this time; however, we are planning to have suitable coverage as done in years past.

Q. | What are your agencies planning in terms of traffic control?

Aiello | Traffic control is definitely a challenge during Atlantic Beach Bikefest, but the chute system has worked well over the past number of years and the Department of Public Safety will again be utilizing a traffic chute for those wanting to drive into Atlantic Beach. The right-hand, northbound lane of U.S. 17 from 30th Avenue South to approximately 37th Avenue South will be used only for traffic wishing to enter Atlantic Beach. Those interested in bypassing Atlantic Beach should stay in the middle or left-hand lane when traveling north.

Collins | The Highway Patrol will be assisting Atlantic Beach and Myrtle Beach with any traffic concerns. State troopers will be ensuring motorcyclists, motorists and pedestrians are able to enter and exit the roadway safely in and around the Bikefest's busiest locations. Troopers will be directing traffic at various locations so drivers should always be attentive near intersections and follow the directions of the officers that are directing traffic.

Furlong | The only traffic pattern changes are directly associated with the special events planned for the Memorial Day weekend, including the closure of portions of Ocean Boulevard for the parade and concert. Additional details are available through the City of Myrtle Beach website.

Q. | Will there be extra personnel in place this year? Please explain.

Aiello | Yes, North Myrtle Beach will have additional personnel working this weekend and is fortunate to have several additional agencies assisting us during Atlantic Beach Bikefest. Officers from Colleton County Police Department, Charleston County Police Department, the City of Fayetteville Police Department and Horry County Police Department will be on hand during Atlantic Beach Bikefest to assist the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety.

Collins | There will be extra troopers to handle the traffic that will be associated with both Bikefest and the Memorial Day weekend.

Furlong | We will receive outside assistance from a number of state, county and local law enforcement agencies as we have in the past.

Q. | Are there any traffic checkpoints planned? If so, when and where?

Aiello | No, there are no traffic checkpoints scheduled [in North Myrtle Beach] during Atlantic Beach Bikefest.

Collins | There will be random road checks conducted; however, the locations and times will be decided at a later date. The Highway Patrol conducts random road checks every weekend in an effort to deter impaired drivers and other violations.

Furlong | One is scheduled for May 26 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on South Ocean Boulevard.

Q. | Will your agencies be doing anything different this year in terms of enforcement?

Aiello | The Department of Public Safety will be operating in the same manner it has for previous bike festivals in Atlantic Beach and will be dealing with incidents on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Public Safety, with the assistance of officers from other agencies, will be focused on enforcing city ordinances, traffic control and, most importantly, the safety of residents and visitors.

Collins | We will continue to enforce state laws and address any unsafe driving behavior. This will be conducted both on the Grand Strand and throughout the state for this Memorial Day weekend. This weekend begins the "100 Deadly Days of Summer," that lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is a time of year when more people are traveling to places like the Grand Strand, so additional attention must be paid to driving safely and defensively.

Furlong | No.

Q. | What are some of the biggest challenges your agencies face during the May motorcycle rallies?

Aiello | The biggest challenges North Myrtle Beach faces are noise violations and maintaining the flow of traffic. As with the Harley Davidson rally, officers with the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety would like to remind drivers to be extra cautious and alert this weekend. Officers also suggest that motorists wishing to avoid traffic congestion should consider using alternate routes, like the Robert Edge Parkway and highways 31 and 22, to travel into and out of North Myrtle Beach.

Collins | Educating drivers about simple tips to avoid collisions with motorcycles, such as judging the speed of a motorcycle before pulling from a roadway or intersection, always checking your blind spot before making a lane change and never following a motorcycle too closely. Motorcyclists can help themselves by driving the posted speed limits and wearing their protective gear.

Furlong | Dealing with large crowds and congested traffic problems.

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