MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Law enforcement officers from all across the state are preparing for the Memorial Day weekend bikefest.
Myrtle Beach police are moving forward with the traffic loop for the bikefest. A federal judge ruled the traffic loop can be used this year, denying an injunction from the NAACP.
This year’s Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival starts Friday, but hundreds of bikers and police officers were already in Myrtle Beach on Thursday. The Myrtle Beach Police Department held a briefing for officers from outside law enforcement agencies.
Myrtle Beach police are working with more than 400 other officers with the goal of a safe holiday weekend.
“It is very important for us to keep the traffic moving along Ocean Boulevard,” said Myrtle Beach police spokesperson Capt. Joey Crosby.
Myrtle Beach police say about 427 outside officers from across the state and even Georgia will work in the city over the holiday weekend.
“So if it’s only a patrol area, they will be in a car with a Myrtle Beach officer,” Capt. Crosby said. “If it’s on the waterfront area, the Myrtle Beach officer will be paired with four or five other officers from a different jurisdiction.”
The 23-mile traffic loop will return for all three nights of bikefest weekend. Pedestrian barricades are already up along Ocean Boulevard.
Myrtle Beach police say their goal is to move pedestrians, bikers and other drivers along safely and respectfully.
“This job is bigger than the badge,” Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock said at Thursday’s briefing. “It’s about connecting with the people that we serve.”
Some visitors already in Myrtle Beach a day early say they wonder if fewer people will show up.
“It’s kind of weak now this year, I don’t know,” said Wayne Woods Jr., who’s visiting from Philadelphia. “I guess because of the numerous things that happened last year.”
The traffic loop goes from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. It’ll continue overnight from 10 to 2 again on Saturday and Sunday.
You can click here to find a map of the traffic loop and other tips to stay safe this weekend.
