The bikeweek task force consisting of multiple local and state agencies met at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to discuss the safety plan for Memorial Day bike week.
Known as Black Bike Week or Atlantic Bike Beach, the large tourism event started on the Grand Strand in the 1980’s and brings in on average 400,000 bikers to Myrtle Beach every year. The task force was formed by law enforcement agencies four years ago.
“Well the task force’s perspective is all about safety, it’s about safety for participants, for the first responders and for the community itself.” task force chairman Ryan Webster said.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Webster asked subcommittee leaders if they felt the need to change anything from their safety plan from 2017 and each said no.
“Really it’s just the same event we’ve had every year and nothing has changed.” Webster said.
In February, the Myrtle Beach Chapter of the NAACP filed a lawsuit against the city and the Myrtle Beach Police Department claiming that they resort to behavior that subjects African Americans to rules and restrictions that are clearly racially motivated.
“The message that the city is sending is loud and clear, they are saying that black bikers are not welcome in Myrtle Beach.” Anson Asaka, Associate General Counsel NAACP said.
The lawsuit also focused on the traffic flow for the event, saying it causes bikers to take hours to go down Ocean Blvd. Captain with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Joey Crosby says they don’t have plans to change the set up.
“Our traffic pattern will be the same as it was last year, that’s why we are encouraging the community to participate in our community outreach meetings, we will be announcing those because our goal is to inform the public.” Crosby said.