Bike Week Ended: The Numbers

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by jmen24

He traveled half way across the country to participate in Bike Week. So I would say it counts.

thank you, did not know that, why I asked, article did not say that unless I missed that

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by AC2717

thank you, did not know that, why I asked, article did not say that unless I missed that

It was online at WMUR last week. His friend that he was riding with was from NH. No worries, sad situation all around.

http://www.wmur.com/news/28244933/detail.html

[Woodsy]

The Bike Week numbers were way way down! I live essentially at Ground Zero... there was little to no traffic and you could breeze right into the Weirs... all week except sunday! I dont even think they closed the bridge but for a few hours here and there!

The problem with Bike Week is the EXCESSIVE POLICE presence! There were way too many cops... way too few people! I get the whole public safety thing... but come on! On 2 seperate occasions i took pictures of a group of 4 NHSP cruisers just hanging out! In one pic taken Saturday a 5th NHSP cruiser was just out of the picture! On walk to the Weirs I counted 7 NHSP cruisers between Kellerhaus and Lobster Pound! SEVEN NHSP cruisers within a 1/4 or so?? Really? This is all with ZERO traffic backup...

IMO... Bike Week has become the Police Benevolent Overtime Week!

Woodsy

[Ryan]

Not that this is a gauge of attendance, but I found parking at the Weirs to be much more difficult this year. Thursday and Friday before noon, you couldn't find 2 spots to park the bikes.

I do agree that the police presence is way overboard and might be a factor in dwindling attendance.

I know they put those plastic strips across the road in certain locations to count the visitors, but I wonder if they can count the police vehicles also????

[Jonas Pilot]

http://www.citizen.com/news/laconia_...a4bcf6878.html

[Belmont Resident]

We had vendors say they wish it would go back to a long weekend. They say they make way less money with the whole week long thing then if it was just 4 days.
Every vendor we talked to said people were out but no money was being spent.
We visited the lobster pound the 3 times we went down and each time they looked to be doing very well.
Talked with someone today who was in VT for a wedding a couple of weeks ago. They ran into a group of bikers and asked if they were heading to Laconia. They said no Lake George is where its at now, to many cops at Laconia so they no longer come.

[TiltonBB]

Just some random thoughts about Bike Week:

1. It is, and always has been a "people watching" event. As the crowds continue to dwindle attendance will continue to decline.

2. Traffic delays are not necessarily a bad thing. They contribute to the feeling that Laconia is the "place to be" and help to draw even more people.

3. The signs that say the "Weirs Bridge is Closed" that are posted all the way out to Tilton keep many people from travelling through our area. That reduces the "people watching" and contributes to the decline in attendance.

4. This year the bridge was never closed, but all of the signs remained in place.

5. The over policing of Bike Week creates an intimidation factor that keeps many people away from the event. That costs local merchants revenue, increases the cost to taxpayers, and reduces the tax benefit to the state.

6. The UNH police continue to be overzealous and uninformed and make many mistakes with regard to the enforcement of local laws. They should not be invited back to this event.

7. The city hall powers that make the decisions regarding police and traffic should get input from the residents and business people and make appropriate changes so that they do not completely kill Bike Week. The current mentality seems to be: "We are going to do what we have aways done". That thought process will only result in the eventual end of the event and a significant loss of revenue to the City of Laconia and the State of New Hampshire. Big mistake!

Although it may be an inconvenience to some local residents, the new people and revenue that Bike Week brings into the area every year justifies the event. Many return with their families to vacation, and even buy a home. They patronize local businesses and help to contribute to the local economy.