New rules aim to curb Bike Week excesses

A new list of "thou shalt nots" is greeting the estimated 500,000 motorcyclists heading to Daytona Beach for the annual 10-day celebration of bikes, booze and bare bodies known as Bike Week.

The event, which started Friday, kicked off the yearly spring exodus of visitors from frozen cities across the nation to the Sunshine State. Students and tourists will head to Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, Miami Beach and Key West to thaw out during the day and hit bars and clubs at night.

Although officials want students and bikers to spend money at hotels, bars and restaurants, some cities have also imposed steep fines to keep visitors more civilized this year.

In Daytona Beach, showing too much skin will cost the guilty party $106. Failure to have a muffler on a motorcycle will bring another $106 fine, while not using headlights and eye protection will bring a $44 penalty. Daytona Beach police Chief Dennis Jones said the department's enforcement will be "firm but fair," although not a zero-tolerance approach.

Mayor Bud Asher said Bike Week is a proud and popular tradition dating to 1937 that brings money into the city's economy. Bike Week brings in about $260-million annually to Volusia County's economy.

"We're just asking the people who visit here during special events to have a good time but abide by our laws and exhibit the same conduct of our citizens and to respect our citizens' rights to enjoy their quality of life as well," Asher told the Daytona Beach New-Journal.

Officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Florida Sheriff's Association will send officers to help the Daytona Beach police, which will increase street patrols.

A temporary police substation will be set up for officers to process arrests.

Many popular Bike Week activities, such as the Cabbage Patch coleslaw wrestling planned for Wednesday, are outside city limits and not subject to the stricter laws.

In Panama City Beach, officials are worried spring break may not be as prosperous this year because of fewer hotel rooms, higher prices, a weak economy and the threat of war.

Panama City Beach is cracking down on underage drinking with tougher enforcement.

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