FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 19, 2016
Contact: Craig Stout
(479) 587-3580
FAYETTEVILLE POLICE PLAN FOR 17th ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY
Today, Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor announced plans for the 17th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally.
The rally is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 21st and continue through Saturday, September 24th. The Fayetteville Police Department is expecting a large attendance for the 2016 rally. The Fayetteville Police Department has been meeting with the Bikes, Blues and BBQ organizers, local merchants and citizens over past months to make this event safe and enjoyable for all. Citizens are reminded to be aware of the large numbers of cyclists and
pedestrians visiting Fayetteville during this event. Accident prevention is a top concern in regard to overall public safety.
Currently, there are no plans to close Dickson Street or West Avenue to vehicle traffic on Wednesday or Thursday but as with past trends if motorcycle or pedestrian safety dictates a closure, we will re-evaluate the situation and make changes to reduce hazards and increase safety.
On Friday, motorcycle only traffic will begin as public safety dictates. Dickson Street will be closed from St. Charles to Gregg Ave. West Avenue will eventually transition from motorcycle only traffic to a full street closure from Meadow Street to Watson Street as the day progresses.
On Saturday, motorcycle only traffic will begin as public safety dictates. Dickson Street will be closed from St. Charles Avenue to Gregg Ave. West Avenue will eventually be closed from Meadow Street to Watson Street again transitioning from motorcycle only traffic to a full street closure. All of the street closures are subject to change if circumstances dictate.
Parking on Dickson Street will be limited at certain times of the day. Prior to each day of the event, signs will be placed early in the morning hours indicating when vehicles must be removed from Dickson Street. Citizens are encouraged to pay close attention to these signs and have their vehicles removed by the times designated on these signs.
Electronic signs will be placed on College Avenue informing motorists what lanes are for event traffic in an effort to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.
Fayetteville Police will be enforcing all laws concerning alcohol consumption in public by adults and minors, careless and reckless driving, rapid throttle advancement (engine revving), controlled substance possession and delivery, indecent exposure and all other laws that may aid in making this rally a safe event. City ordinance prohibits animals inside the event area other than service animals. A portion of the paid parking within the Entertainment District will be suspended for this event; however, residential parking spaces 01-299 will be enforced in the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, the department will address other parking issues such as handicap parking, blocking driveways, mailboxes and parking on sidewalks.
We welcome the rally participants to Fayetteville and wish them a safe and fun time during their stay in Northwest Arkansas.
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