DAYTONA BEACH -- With the sour economy, there were far less bikers this time around during the annual four-day October biker rally throughout Volusia County. If there was a real positive that came out of this special event that is supposed to boost the local economy, it's that there were no road fatalities. The same held true on both fronts for last spring's 10-day Bike Week with fatalities down to five.
That's a far cry from the record 26 deaths in 2006 -- six during Biketoberfest and the rest during the February 10-day Bike Week. Bike Week draws some half million bikers while Biketoberfest attracts about 150,000.
These two motorcycle rallies, along with Speed Weeks with the Daytona 500, Spring Break and Black College Reunion, are supposed to be the economic stimulus that drives Volusia County's tourism, though with the exception of the Daytona 500 and Bike Week, the other special events have shown less drawing power.