Bermuda Day Holiday Weekend Policing
Road closures will be in effect from 7:45am this Friday [May 28] in order to facilitate the Bermuda Day races, the police have advised.
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] takes this opportunity to advise the public on matters related to ensuring a peaceful and safe time for everyone during this year’s Bermuda Day holiday weekend.
Acting Superintendent Tracy Adams said, “I would like to share the general policing plan with the community, which involves visible BPS patrols during the Bermuda Day holiday weekend [Friday, 28th May through Sunday, 30th May], and reassure residents that any acts of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“However, if you see something, say something. Please call 211, the main police telephone number 295-0011 or 911 in an emergency. Police patrols will also be vigilant regarding compliance by members of the public and businesses to current COVID-19 protocols.
“The BPS is aware that loud music complaints, both in residential neighbourhoods and on the water, are a problem associated with this holiday and we accept that the celebration of Bermuda Day brings with it a party atmosphere.
“In an effort to avoid the involvement of the police in noise complaints, we ask a couple things of the public: patience and tolerance on the part of the persons who enjoy a more low-key celebration, along with a display of respect and courtesy on the part of those who like to party hard. Ideally, members of the communities that they live in should work together to keep the peace in their neighbourhoods.
“Our message once again this year is to encourage everyone to exercise patience, tolerance and caution so that we all have a good time!
“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, BPS staff and the Bermuda Reserve Police, I wish the entire community a pleasant, enjoyable and safe holiday weekend.”
Acting Chief Inspector Scott Devine said, “I would like to remind the public to exercise caution when attempting to travel around the eastern and central areas of the island during the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Bicycle Race and Bermuda Half Marathon Derby.
“This year both races will begin in St. George’s, heading west along Kindley Field Road onto North Shore Road via Flatts. The riders and runners will then make their way onto Middle Road, travelling along Middle Road all the way to the City of Hamilton, before finishing on Cedar Avenue [for the pedal cyclists] and on Dutton Avenue [for the runners].
“Spectators are encouraged to support all race day competitors from the roadside, while heeding appropriate physical distancing.
“Please be mindful that road closures will be in effect from 7:45am Friday, 28th May [particularly travellers on morning flights out of L. F. Wade International Airport, who are advised to be at the airport before 7:30am] and that the race route will be kept completely free of vehicles, to allow the safe passage of competitors. Vehicle access to the City of Hamilton will also be severely restricted until the completion of both races.
“Once the pedal cycle race has been completed, vehicles may be allowed to cross the race route – when it is safe to do so – at the following locations:
- Harrington Sound Road to North Shore Road in a westerly direction;
- Hermitage Road [only to gain access to Vesey Street], and;
- Brighton Hill Road [only to access Parsons Lane].
“These junctions and others throughout the race route will be manned by BPS staff as well as race marshals and we would ask that members of the public exercise patience and follow the directions of the designated staff manning the junctions.
“The entire race route will also be monitored by members of the Roads Policing Unit in order to maintain everyone’s safety. As the final runners make their way along the course, the roadways will be re-opened, where possible, to allow for the traffic to flow.”
“The BPS reminds members of the public to enjoy themselves responsibly, while observing the current COVID-19 regulations in place, to help us make this a safe Bermuda Day holiday weekend.”
