Riding Through Monterey Car Week
Tips for Motorcyclists to Enjoy the Event and Stay Safe
Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into a motorhead’s paradise. Car Week brings in some of the rarest, most beautiful, and most powerful vehicles in the world — from vintage Ferraris cruising Ocean Avenue to futuristic concept cars being unveiled on Alvarado.
For riders, Car Week is a mixed bag. On one hand, you get to share the road with rolling art. On the other hand, the crowds, rental cars, and gawking tourists can make our normally scenic rides a lot more hazardous.
As California’s Motorcycle Law Firm, we’ve put together some tips so you can enjoy Car Week from the saddle without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.
1. Know the Roads and the Traffic Patterns
During Car Week, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach become traffic magnets. Popular routes like Highway 1, Highway 68, Laureles Grade, and Carmel Valley Road can go from peaceful rides to stop-and-go crawl.
What to expect:
Slowdowns near event venues like, Laguna Seca, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Quail Lodge, and downtown Carmel.
Out-of-towners who may be more focused on spotting the next Bugatti than on the lane in front of them.
Sudden stops when drivers see a photo op.
Pro tip:
If you’re riding to enjoy the scenery, plan your route early in the morning before traffic builds. If you’re commuting through the area, leave extra time and be patient. Sometimes, taking a longer, lesser-known road — like the loop up San Benancio Road and Corral de Tierra Road, or the back way through Arroyo Seco — is safer and more enjoyable.
2. Expect the “Car Show Glare” Effect
Tourists come to Car Week for the cars, not for you. That means drivers may have tunnel vision for Lamborghinis, not motorcycles.
Risks include:
Sudden lane changes without signaling.
Pulling out from side streets without seeing you.
Stopping in the middle of the road to take photos.
Your move:
Stay out of blind spots longer than you have to.
Use your high-visibility gear if you have it.
Tap your horn if you think someone is about to cut over.
Keep a bigger following distance than usual — someone might slam on the brakes for that rare Shelby Cobra.
3. Parking Can Be a Challenge
Car Week events mean parking is at a premium. And while it’s tempting to slip your bike into any small gap, be careful:
Some venues will tow motorcycles parked in “display vehicle” areas.
Monterey will definitely ticket for two vehicles in one parking spot, and will assume the motorcycle squeezed in second.
Crowded lots mean a higher chance of your bike getting knocked over by inattentive drivers.
Better options:
Look for official motorcycle parking at major events.
Park away from high foot-traffic zones where people might bump your bike.
If you’re in downtown Carmel or Monterey, side streets a couple of blocks away can be safer and less chaotic.
4. Watch for Pedestrians Everywhere
Car Week brings out photographers, influencers, and enthusiasts who step into the street without looking. On a motorcycle, a distracted pedestrian can be as dangerous as a distracted driver.
Extra safe spots:
Keep your speed low around Cannery Row, Alvarado Street, and Ocean Avenue.
Assume every person on the sidewalk might suddenly step into the road.
5. Stay Alert on Highway 1
Many Car Week visitors take Highway 1 toward Big Sur. It’s gorgeous — and often jammed with slow-moving rental cars, RVs, and people pulling over in unsafe spots.
If you ride south during Car Week:
Expect blind corners and cars crossing the centerline to get a better look at the ocean.
Keep a pace that allows you to react quickly.
Remember that weekend afternoons are the busiest. Morning rides are quieter and safer.
6. Consider Riding With a Buddy
Two sets of eyes are better than one during Car Week chaos. Riding with a friend can:
Make you more visible to drivers.
Provide help if you get stuck in a bad situation.
Make the ride more fun (and give you someone to talk cars with).
7. Don’t Forget the Joy
With all these warnings, it’s easy to forget: Car Week is still a blast for riders. You’ll see:
Rare vintage motorcycles mixed in with the cars.
Exotic cars from every era driving the same roads you love.
A one-of-a-kind celebration of automotive culture.
If you ride smart, you can enjoy the sights, hear the engines, and still make it home safely.
Final Word from California’s Motorcycle Law Firm
We love Monterey Car Week — but we also know it’s a dangerous time to be on two wheels here. Every year, we represent riders who were hurt because a distracted or careless driver wasn’t paying attention during major events like this.
If you or a loved one is injured during Car Week:
Get medical attention right away.
Document the scene and get witness info.
Reach out to a lawyer who understands riders — and knows Monterey’s roads.
We’re here to fight for injured motorcyclists in Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Hollister, and across California.
You can call us or fill out our Case Evaluation Form — it’s free, confidential, and goes straight to our inbox.
Ride safe, enjoy Car Week, and remember: the most valuable vehicle out there is the one that gets you home in one piece.