DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Since 1937, bikers have descended on Daytona Beach for Bike Week.
This year is no different as thousands are expected to fill the city over the next 10 days.
Opening weekend could be a little soggy with some rain in the forecast, but the party will go on for the 85th year in a row.
“We’re so excited about it and what a great year to do it, when it’s our nation’s 250th anniversary, not to mention our own area’s 150th anniversary,” said Janet Kersey, executive vice president and COO of the Daytona Regional Chamber. “There’s bike shows, there’s rides, there’s veterans’ events, there’s concerts, you name it.”
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Riders, like Clinton “Old School” Clark, love the camaraderie.
“Just the people that you meet, the love and the respect that you have for people and you don’t see that all the time, this world need more love,” he said.
Local businesses enjoy the major economic boost it brings to the downtown area.
“I’ve worked a lot of events all over the country and, financially, bikers are the best and they are the kindest human beings,” local bartender Olivia Gray said.
While there is a chance of wet weather, Kersey said it likely will not last long.
“We know when it rains here, it doesn’t last long. It’s okay to stop your bike and go inside of a business and have some fun and meet some friends that hang out at your hotel,” she said.
While bikers rev up for a good time, local law enforcement and hospitals are reminding them to be safe when riding.
“If you can wear your protective gear and please, please close toed shoes, you’re more likely to keep the parts attached to you,” Trauma Medical Director at Halifax Health Dr. Janeen Jordan said.
Halifax Health reported 120 trauma-related situations during Bike Week in 2025, down from 144 in 2024, and hopes education will drive the numbers lower this year.
“The data on this is extremely clear and irrefutable,” Jordan explained. “Riders who do not wear a helmet are more likely to suffer life threatening injuries or devastating lifelong injuries.”
In an effort to help keep the roads safe, AAA is also doing its part this Bike Week. For the first time ever during Bike Week, the auto club is activating its Tow 2 Go program. It will pick up any vehicle, motorcycle and person and give them a free ride home within a 10 mile radius.
“I think a lot of times you have people who are more likely to ride impaired because they’re just afraid of leaving their motorcycle behind at the bar. AAA is eliminating that excuse altogether,” AAA Spokesperson Mike Jenkins said.
To get a Tow 2 Go ride, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.
This is also the first Bike Week since open carry became legal in the state. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said they do not expect any problems.
“This is our first Bike Week [with open carry], but we’ve already had Biketoberfest, we had no issues during Biketoberfest; I believe there was one protest that we monitored, but literally we had no issues. So I’m hoping for the same for the next ten days,” he said.
Young said they will be fully staffed for the next 10 days and will increase DUI enforcement to keep roads safe.
The Bike Week welcome center is at the Daytona Regional Chamber office, at 126 E Orange Ave., and the chamber has published a Bike Week travel guide. For more information, click here.
[MORE: Keeping everyone safe during Bike Week]