New Smyrna Beach Police provide information ahead of Bike & Bar Tour.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department took to social media Friday with information regarding the unsanctioned (not a city-sponsored or an approved special event) annual Bike & Bar event scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m. along Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. 

The annual "New Smyrna Beach Bike and Bar Tour" is a long-standing tradition in its 29th year, which started with two bike riders on the first tour and had over 3000 participants at its peak. Stops include, but are not limited to, J.B.’s Fish Camp, Moe's, Chase's, Sea Vista, NSB Sea Shack, Beachside Tavern, Off the Hook, Buzzard's Beach, Clancy's Cantina, Tayton O'Brian's, Flagler Tavern, The Breakers, Crow's Nest, Ocean Breeze, and Peanuts.

According to a Facebook post shared by the police department, officers will be implementing a Special Event Operational Plan that will include New Smyrna Beach Police Officers and multiple police units from adjacent Law Enforcement agencies. The primary objective of this operational plan is to ensure public safety during the event and the safe movement of bicyclists along S. Atlantic Avenue and throughout the area to prevent collisions between vehicles and bicyclists.

Law enforcement will also be enforcing New Smyrna Beach Ordinance 10-5 which prohibits the consumption of Alcohol and Open Alcohol Containers in public places, like streets, right of ways, parking lots, and while riding a bicycle. The operation will also focus on enforcing bicycle traffic violations, such as bicycling more than two abreast, bicycles carrying more persons than designed or equipped, bicycles not riding as far to the right as possible, driving under the influence (Bicycle), and numerous other violations.

New Smyrna Beach Police expect participants of the NSB Bike & Bar Tour to abide by laws and ordinances governing not only the consumption of alcohol and bicycling regulations but also adhere to proper standards of behavior, with an emphasis on enforcing disorderly and intoxicated conduct. 

Drivers should share the road and be aware of the large numbers of bicyclists in the area, as safety on the roadways is the responsibility of everyone.