Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2013: Motorcycle Safety Tips for the Biggest Bike Rally of the Year

For over 70 years, the annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week has been held mid-May in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts across the country. Each year, thousands of bikers travel to “The Grand Strand” to eat, shop, celebrate, and meet new friends. This year, the popular motorcycle rally is scheduled for May 10th through May 19th. If you are new to bike week, here are a few motorcycle safety tips to keep up with the crowd and stay safe during the spring rally.

Inspect your motorcycle and tune up before the trip.

There’s nothing worse than breaking down on the highway on your way to Bike Week. Depending on where you live, it can be a long trip. Make sure your motorcycle is in good shape and equipped to travel long distances. Check the tires, change the oil and air filter, if necessary, and ensure all your electrical components are functioning correctly.

Wear a helmet.

While South Carolina law only requires motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, you should always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, regardless of age, to prevent severe head injury or death in the event of an accident. Many bikers choose to wear a helmet during Bike Week, knowing the risks involved when riding without one. You should also wear protective eye gear like goggles or a face shield to prevent debris from getting into your eyes while riding.

Always look twice.

Before making a turn or changing lanes, look around you and check your mirrors twice to make sure you are not traveling into the path of another oncoming vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of other motorcyclists, drivers, and potential hazards on the road.

Do NOT drink and ride.

The rally will have many vendors and bars along the way, and you may be tempted to have a few drinks with the other bikers. If you choose to imbibe, park your bike and find a place to stay; there are many affordable hotels and inns along the Grand Strand, and odds are many other bikers will be doing the same.

Obey all city laws.

For decades, the city of Myrtle Beach has been very tolerant and welcoming during Bike Week, but many laws have been passed in an attempt to control the large crowds and festivities it brings. Regardless of where you are from, you must be mindful of all Myrtle Beach laws and regulations during your stay:

1. The legal drinking age is 21.
2. No open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles (or on motorcycles) or public areas.
3. Motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 MUST wear an approved helmet under South Carolina law.
4. Speeding and seat belt laws are strictly enforced. Obey all traffic signs and signals.
5. The Noise Ordinance is in effect: no loud mufflers, no straight pipes, and no revving of engines to create excessive noise. This means no “burnouts.”
6. No littering.
7. No more than 2 motorcycles in a public parking space.

If you are planning on attending the 2013 Myrtle Beach Bike Week, it may be a good idea to take a refresher motorcycle safety course to brush up on your skills and prepare yourself for any situation. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for a free consultation .