Sheriff's Office introduces new motorcycle safety initiative as Biketoberfest begins

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Biketoberfest is revving up in Daytona Beach.

The event brings an estimated 125,000 motorcyclists to the city. 

There will be more Volusia County deputies riding the roads to make sure everyone stays safe. 

There also will be a year-long motorcycle safety operation launched as Biketoberfest begins, announced the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The program will work to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Volusia County, with funding from a $30,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). 

Being home to both Biketoberfest (October) and Bike Week (March), Volusia County reportedly sees an increase in motor vehicle crashes during each of these special events. Last year, there were a total of 586 motorcycle-involved crashes and 33 with fatalities in 2017. 

The Sheriff's Office says that the FDOT grant period will last until September 29th, 2019 and that the funding will cover overtime costs for deputies conducting enhanced safety operations. These deputies will be running extra operations during Biketoberfest and Bikeweek, but the safety effort will continue year-round, with a minimum of 70 operations planned.