Patience and Cooperation on the Road Urged as 75th Sturgis Rally Begins

With the 75th annual Sturgis Rally officially begins Monday, August 3; the South Dakota Department of Public Safety is urging drivers and bikers to show patience and cooperation on the roads.

“A driver, whether in a vehicle or on a motorcycle, can quickly cause a crash if they are not paying attention,” Capt. Kevin Karley of the Highway Patrol’s Rapid City district says.  “Bikers and motorists alike need to be especially alert and cautious.’’

Lee Axdahl, director of the Office of Highway Safety said “Not only do we have more visitors traveling through South Dakota during the summer, we also have more motorcycles...If everyone pays attention and makes safe choices, bikers, tourists and everyone else on the highways can have a good and safe time.”

People looking for real-time public safety information about the Sturgis Rally can  follow four Twitter sites at @SDPublicSafety,  @SDHighwayPatrol, @SouthDakotaDOT and @RallyTraffic.

Rally visitors are encouraged to visit the Office of Highway Safety’s website at www.southdakotarides.com. Created specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts, the site includes safety tips, motorcycle laws and regulations and a virtual ride feature that gives novice riders or bikers unfamiliar with South Dakota roads a chance to study various routes and gauge the difficulty of the ride compared to their level of skill on a motorcycle.

Motorcyclists and motorists alike are reminded of the rules for sharing the road:

Motorcyclists should ride in single-file lines and avoid crowding the center line or crowding motorists; Motorists should remember not to crowd cycles. Motorcycles have the same rights on the road as motorists; Motorists and cyclists should follow the recommended speed limits.  Motorcyclists should be especially aware of speed limits on curves; It is against the law to drink and drive.  Motorists and cyclists should make sure they have sober drivers; Motorists should remember to buckle up, it’s the law; and Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets.

(VIA)