May is one of the most exciting times on the Grand Strand. With Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bike Fest, and the Memorial Day holiday weekend bringing more riders, visitors and families to the area, we see more traffic, more pedestrians and busier public spaces. A little planning and patience go a long way.
Here are practical ways to help keep Myrtle Beach safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone:
- Expect heavier traffic and longer travel times. Build extra time into your plans.
- Follow directions from officers, signage and message boards to keep traffic moving and maintain emergency access.
- Traffic patterns can change with road closures and diverted routes to maintain traffic flow, pedestrian safety and for emergency vehicle access.
- Golf cart rules may change with municipalities limiting their use to optimize safety.
- Pedestrians should use extra care, making yourself visable, using crosswalks and obeying signals. Avoid stepping into traffic unexpectedly. Drivers should yield to pedestrians.
- Stay off your phone while driving, riding or crossing. South Carolina’s new hands-free law is now in effect.
- Never drive impaired. If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride.
- South Carolina law requires motorcycle helmets and eye protection for operators and passengers under age 21. Even if you’re over 21, a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing are strongly recommended.
- Know the juvenile curfew in the City of Myrtle Beach for those 17 and under (generally midnight to 6:00 a.m., with specific exceptions). Families should plan accordingly.