Fort Myers Bike Night Moves to New Location Amid Controversy
Local bikers and business owners alike are upset about the move — and they’re doing something about it.
Usually, it’s a good thing when events grow in size and scope. Sometimes, though, some of the folks who were there since the beginning feel left behind and lost in the shuffle.
That seems to be the situation in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, where “Bike Night” has been held for the last decade. However, last month marked a change of venue from a downtown historic district to a local Harley-Davidson dealership.
According to Fox 4, city officials cite the event’s growth as unsustainable, with concerns for safety and accessibility prompting the move. Local businesses, however, aren’t too happy about the change.
Shanna Miller, who runs The Downtown Jewelry and Watch Company, said that “Revenues will be affected. Bike nights are one of the reasons why I opened up on First Street.” Cole Peacock, founder of the nearby Seed and Bean Marketplace, adds “Any time you lose an event, its a strain on downtown, and especially business owners.”
Business owners aren’t the only ones who are upset about the move. Motorcyclists are equally disappointed with the move.
Fort Myers News-Press interviewed several motorcyclists, and all of them echo the same sentiment — they don’t appreciate being “kicked out” of downtown Fort Myers.
Manfred Glanzner, who had a vendor booth at the old location, sarcastically said “It looks like they don’t need us anymore, these loud, ugly bikers.” In a Facebook group about boycotting the event, D.E. Schenk said, “Shame on Ft. Myers. This is nothing more than stuffy, stuck-up people thinking everyone riding is a hoodlum.”
However, the move is not intended as a slight or snub to motorcyclists. Lisa Sbuttoni, head of the River District Alliance that was responsible for the decision to move, says it’s all about safety.
She says, “In the event of an emergency, we’re not going to be able to get there in a timely manner. It’s a matter of safety.” Nearby dealership Rockstar Harley-Davidson stepped up to host the event after it was cancelled earlier this year. The Saturday, November 9 event will be the first one at the new location.
Photos: Fort Myers News Press/Harley-Davidson
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