Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off the summer tourist season in the City of North Myrtle Beach. Our daily population swells to over 100,000 residents and visitors. Our hotels, motels, condos and house rentals are usually full.

Due to the large number of people in town, many unique challenges arise, the most obvious being traffic congestion.

Expect traffic to build gradually over several days to a heavy volume as we enter the Memorial Day weekend. During the Friday-Sunday period, traffic will be at its heaviest from late afternoon into late evening. That is the peak time frame during which people go out to dinner or to enjoy the city’s many local attractions. Be aware that a trip that might take 10 minutes during the off- season will take longer over Memorial Day weekend. Plan ahead and your blood pressure will thank you.

Be aware that Atlantic Beach Bikefest, sponsored by the adjacent Town of Atlantic Beach, impacts North Myrtle Beach traffic to a significant degree. This means that motorists and motorcyclists will be intermixed. Provide space and opportunity for one another and exercise caution and patience.

During this time, City resources are stretched as public safety personnel work to keep traffic flowing smoothly for everyone’s sake. Please exercise good judgment, be patient, and don’t let your actions spoil someone else’s or your own vacation.

Please remember that city residents need their sleep. Many of them have to get up the next day and serve visitors and other residents through their own businesses or the businesses they work for. Avoid riding through residential neighborhoods.

The City of North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department practices year-round community policing. City officers are positive and willing resources for information, guidance, help and safety. They are approachable, and don't be surprised if they seek you out to talk or say hello. They work to build bridges, not barriers.

When it comes to enforcing the law, the city understands that not everyone who visits understands all of its laws and regulations. That is why public safety personnel first attempt to educate, then warn, and, if those two approaches just don't work, they will issue citations. Usually, they are able to clear things up with the first step. Developing mutual respect is always the preferred route to take.

When it comes to motorcyclists, the most common traffic violations that occur during the week leading up to and through Memorial Day weekend and over the weekend itself are:

— Speeding
— Weaving in and out of, and in between traffic
— Burnouts
— Motorcycle riders “holding” intersections to allow their group to continue without having to stop for a red light or stop sign.
— Violators are subject to a citation and/or arrest with a fine of up to $1,000 dollars.

Again, not only is such activity illegal, it is just plain dangerous.

The city copes with similar violations during the preceding Harley bike week.

Every year several motorcycles are stolen during the Memorial Day weekend. Expensive, custom and show bikes are popular with thieves. To Prevent Thefts:

• Be aware of where you park. Avoid dark, poorly lit areas.
• Don’t leave leathers, cameras, GPS, helmets, etc., on your bike.
• Lock your motorcycle. High quality disk locks, wheel locks, and heavy duty cable or chain locks are recommended. Thieves can easily overcome factory ignition locks.

Noise and other disturbances:

City Ordinance Sec. 12-70 states:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be continued any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the limits of the city.”