Outdoor Permits Denied for Biketoberfest by Daytona Beach City Commission.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Daytona Beach City Commissioners voted Wednesday on the approval of a safety plan for the 28th Annual Biketoberfest Event, that was created by the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The city commissioners voted 6-1 not to support the detailed safety plan that was created by the CVB.

The detailed safety plan would have required staff to undergo temperature checks and add pedestrian walking areas to promote social distancing, but these precautions were not enough to sway the vote from commission members.

While the event itself is still scheduled for October 15-18, this decision means that no outdoor permits will be approved by the city. Outdoor entertainment, vendors, or music will not be allowed.

“Even if bikers show up regardless, approving the safety plan would come off as the commission endorsing the event,” said Mayor Derrick Henry during the meeting.

Biketoberfest will be different this year as with many other events that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city of Daytona Beach hopes anyone traveling stays safe while visiting.