DELAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in collaboration with its statewide Motorcycle Safety Coalition, is proud to announce the launch of the Ride SMART 2 Daytona campaign, aimed at ensuring the safety of all participants during the 2024 Daytona Beach Bike Week.

Scheduled to take place from March 1 to March 10, 2024, Daytona Beach Bike Week is a globally renowned event expected to draw between 500,000 to 600,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. Recognized for its statewide, regional, and local significance, Daytona Beach Bike Week serves as a celebration of motorcycle culture and camaraderie. However, with the excitement of this event comes a critical need for safety awareness — the 2023 Daytona Beach Bike Week saw 31 serious injuries and four deaths. This safety campaign seeks to ensure everyone gets home safely this year.

In light of the injuries and fatalities during last year’s event, the Ride SMART 2 Daytona campaign underscores the importance of enhancing motorcycle safety to protect all road users. The effort’s central message is: "Everyone has something to get home to."

"The safety of all participants and the traveling public is paramount,” said FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler, P.E. "The Ride SMART 2 Daytona campaign represents our commitment to promoting responsible riding behaviors and fostering a culture of safety on our roadways."

This campaign promotes safe riding through educational initiatives, enforcement efforts, and community engagement. By encouraging all road users to prioritize safety and mindfulness while navigating the roads, Ride SMART 2 Daytona endeavors to make sure everyone gets home safely. 

"We believe that by working together and promoting a culture of safety, we can make a significant impact on motorcycle safety during Bike Week and beyond," said Edith Peters, a spokesperson for the FDOT Motorcycle Safety Coalition. “Through collaboration and vigilance, we can make sure that everyone enjoys the thrill of Bike Week while returning home safely to their loved ones.”

The Ride SMART 2 Daytona campaign invites all participants, spectators, and stakeholders to join forces in prioritizing safety and responsibility on the road. For more information on the Ride SMART 2 Daytona campaign and motorcycle safety tips, please visit https://ridesmartflorida.com/smart/.