LEESBURG, Fla. – The city of Leesburg’s largest annual event, Bikefest, is underway, drawing thousands of visitors and motorcycles from across the country for a weekend of live entertainment, food and festivities.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, according to Lt. Shannon Walsh with the Leesburg Police Department.
“It is saying it estimates the crowd to 150,000 - 250,000,” Walsh said.
With crowds of that size public safety has become a top priority. Leesburg police are working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies to manage traffic, patrol busy areas and respond quickly to any incidents.
“Besides boots on the ground, we also have motorcycles, resources from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office like the horse patrol, bicycles, golf carts, and aviation support,” Walsh said.
Officials have also implemented additional security measures, including a temporary flight restriction over the event. The restriction prohibits drones and other unmanned aircraft from flying in the area to help ensure public safety.
Attendees say the event has gotten off to a smooth start and are thankful for the extra police presence.
“So far so good, but it’s early,” one biker said. “When the band starts more people come, people drink stuff and it’s going to get lit… and there’s a lot of bikes.”
With alcohol often part of the festivities, police are urging attendees to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving.
“Make sure you have a designated driver, rideshare, Uber and of course taxi,” Walsh said.
After nearly three decades of having Bikefest in the city, officers say experience has helped them refine their approach to crowd control and safety.
“No matter what you do, you learn from your mistakes,” Walsh said. “We have been doing this 29 years and when we first started, I don’t think we were as concrete in our ideas as we are now.”
Police also had a clear message for anyone considering breaking the law during the event.
“We have a lot of law enforcement out here… if you choose to do something you shouldn’t, you will get caught,” Walsh said.
Bikefest runs through the weekend, with law enforcement maintaining a continuous presence. Officials say the event is designed to be family-friendly and are encouraging visitors to enjoy themselves responsibly while following the law.