Should they stay or should they go? That has certainly been the hot topic of discussion around here for several years. There seems to be both good and bad in both keeping and eliminating the rallies, and while the bikers bring a boom to some businesses they most certainly bring a big bust to others. Our VIP Crew mailing list is made up of a diverse cross section of the population and represents both locals and, what I call, part time locals. I asked in a recent newsletter for peoples opinions on the matter, and found, like I am assuming the Horry County Council and the city of Myrtle Beach are finding, a pretty even split. Here is what some of our VIP Crew had to say:
As full-time, tax-paying residents of Myrtle Beach, we want the Bike Rallies to end.
The services (fire, police, rescue, hospital, etc.), which "we" pay for simply cannot cope with an invasion of 300,000 bikers. Nor do we want our taxes to be used for cleaning up the aftermath.
The alleged income these rallies are supposed to bring to our community does not materially pay for the cost of hosting these events. Any income, which is realized does not serve to reduce our tax burden.
Additionally, some of these visitors, encouraged by their massive numbers, come with the express intent of disrespecting our citizens, trashing our beautiful city, and thumbing their noses at our law enforcement efforts and our local establishments. The trash and the carnage and the tarnished image they leave for other prospective visitors is unacceptable.
This matter needs to be on the ballot and the issue should be decided by the voters . . . not the visiting bikers, our elected officials, or out-of-town business interests.
The above is simply our opinion; however, we believe that it is shared by the majority of the voting residents of Myrtle Beach.
Thank you for asking for our thoughts on the matter.
Happy 4th of July!
T&C C
Without question, the Harley motorcycle rally and the bikers should stay.
You have to wonder what the local politicians are thinking about!
Every time they open their mouths it’s more taxes, and less revenue producing items.
The Harley rallies produce a tremendous amount of revenue for our area.
When will they ever learn…? When people start to move away, don’t retire here, and, avoid it as a vacation spot?
J. I.
The bikers weeks should GO. The two best month of the year are besieged by these noise generating machine with way to many driven by drunks and trouble makers rather than true enthusiast respectful of residence and their rights. No-one can enjoy what the cities really have to offer during these great weather months. Thanks for asking.
E. K.
As an owner of two properties in North Myrtle Beach, I deal with the, "Biker Weeks", every year. The HOA for my building doesn't allow motorcycles on property at any time so I lose two weeks of potential rental income every year. I don't think the idea of a bike rally is a bad idea I just think they need to move it to a slower time. Having something over Memorial Day or the weeks close to that makes no sense as the traffic issue is compounded and the potential for rental income loss is higher. I would suggest moving the rally weeks to a slower time. This would allow the rally weeks to continue, promote business during a slower time and reduce the chance of traffic accidents as there would be less cars in the area.
Have a great day, Happy 4th Anniversary and I look forward to seeing you in August when I am down with the family.
J.S.
SeaBlue,
We think the biker events should go elsewhere and give Myrtle Beach back to the folks who live here. It is especially sad to see the beautiful and normally family oriented month of May ruined for everyone except bikers because of the indecent behavior of some and the jamming of traffic so that nothing moves. Other locales have succeeded in discouraging these kinds of events. Can we learn from their example?
M. P.
As far as the biker debate, I would be happy to see them go elsewhere.
The money they bring to to area is one thing, but how they take over
the roads in an unsafe matter is another. Numerous bikers pulled out
RIGHT in front of us not once or twice but several times and almost
causing serious accidents on the roads. This is a valid concern. Thanks!
R. L.
the biker events should stay. so three weeks a year there is extra activity,we can use the income around here. in case nobodys watching gas prices are up and will be in this range for AWHILE,food prices are up,and there are people feeling the pinch.
don’t run off an income event of several years in an unstable economy!!! lets be real stupid (stupid is as stupid does)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if we start running off people any other visits from them will be lost and most bikers come here more than bike weeks.
besides I think most police will tell say the teenagers from graduation are more of a problem.
G.D.
Bikers should go!
J. H.
The bike rallies should stay! The communities make too much money that time of year to eliminate it.
I hate the noise myself, but it is a short time to have to put up with it. Besides, we have some pretty bad crimes committed all year, not just during that short time in May.
P. C.
The great debate continues, I am sure for a long time to come.
Kelly