ROGERS, Ark. — With the motorcycles rolling into town for Bikes, Blues, and BBQ (BBB), safety is at the top of organizers' and local law enforcement's minds.
There are a few ride safety and traffic tips to follow this week. Festivities will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and conclude on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Safety
BBB asks bikers to remember the following tips to stay safe this week:
- Ride with confidence by remembering T-CLOCS
- Before you ride to Northwest Arkansas this weekend, organizers advise bikers to check their motorcycles and identify any mechanical issues. T-CLOCS stands for Tires & Wheels, Controls, Lights & Electrics, Oil & Other Fluids, Chassis, and Stands. For a full checklist, click here.
- Practice emergency braking
- When even numbers get this large, anything could happen, including emergencies. Organizers ask bikers to practice braking and escaping in a controlled space at different speeds to avoid any unwanted accidents.
- Know your route
- Review your route before taking off. The more people traveling together, the longer it could take. BBB said bikers should prepare for anything, including giving themselves sufficient time to get to the destination and bringing the proper gear. To help ease the planning woes, BBB has a list of recommended routes attendees could take to the rally here.
- Communication in a group
- When traveling with a big group, BBB notes that "in-helmet communication can be a game changer." Hand signals are also a good way to communicate hazards, turns, and stops on the way.
- Don't drink and ride
- If you intend to drink, organizers ask attendees to have a plan for yourself.
Although BBB has safety tips for the journey to the festival, the Rogers Police Department (RPD) will be on hand during the week. RPD said they are excited to host BBB for a third time, but safety remains a top priority.
"We want everyone, residents and visitors alike, to have a safe and enjoyable time," Chief Jonathan Best said.
During previous rallies, Best said the Northwest Arkansas area has seen an increase in car and motorcycle collisions.
To maintain a safe environment for residents and visitors, Best said the department will not tolerate any careless, reckless, or drunk driving. He said residents and visitors can keep collisions to a minimum by driving safely and wearing bright and reflective clothing.
If you plan to drink, Best said you must make a plan such as designating a driver.
Most importantly, Best asks visitors to be mindful of neighbors and businesses.
"We also ask that you respect the neighborhoods and businesses surrounding the rally areas by not creating excessive noise, which could be a violation of our city's noise ordinance," Best said.
Traffic
Although residents may see several bikes all across town, the rally will be located in downtown Rogers and Eureka Springs.
Bike-only parking and street closures will be in effect in downtown Rogers on Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Saturday from noon to midnight.
- Bike-only traffic
- 1st Street between Walnut Street and Cherry Street
- Bike-only parking
- 2nd Street and 1st Street between Walnut Street and Cherry Street
- Cherry Street between 2nd and 1st
- Street closures
- Cherry Street
- 1st Street between Pine Street and Cherry Street
- Poplar Street between 1st and Arkansas Street
There will be pedestrian paths along all the closed and bike-only streets.
"We hope you come out to attend the rally and enjoy Rogers as much as we do," Best said.
For more information, visit Bikes, Blues, and BBQ's website. Check out this week's full schedule here.
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