Bikers pass by the many vendors and groups lining Dickson Street during the 2011 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival in Fayetteville. (Photo courtesy of Flickr user Doug Wertman via Creative Commons)
Whether you ride a motorcycle or not, the annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally based in downtown Fayetteville is sure to affect you and your family. As you may know, thousands of motorcyclists from across the country are headed into Fayetteville for the 17th Annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ Rally. The event, which runs September 21-24 this year, features food, music, and fantastic bike rides throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Safety reminders for bikers
One of the best parts of the rally is the fact that motorcyclists are gathering from all ends of the country. However, there are a few things to be aware of when staying in the Northwest Arkansas area. For starters, it is important to know the helmet safety laws in Arkansas. Keep in mind that the the laws vary from state to state, so we recommend you read up on Arkansas’ laws here.
Another thing to take into consideration is noise levels. Fayetteville has several city ordinances regarding motorcycle exhaust and engines, so be sure to brush up on those before heading into the city! Everyone knows that thousands of bikes will make more noise than normal but try to keep in mind
What to expect as a Fayetteville and NWA resident
Because there could be upwards of 300,000 motorcyclists in the Northwest Arkansas area, it is important to prepare for the temporary increase in traffic! Starting on Friday, the Fayetteville police will be instituting a “motorcycle only” traffic closure of Dickson Street. Similarly, on College Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., there will be signs to indicate lanes for event traffic or normal traffic.
We recommend adjusting your schedule to best prepare for the traffic, especially if you’re traveling in the areas around the main event. In fact, consider changing your route if at all possible. Otherwise, life in Northwest Arkansas should not be too different. Whether you are a motorcyclist or simply a fan of barbecue, the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally is sure to be an event to remember.
We at On Time Logistics hope you enjoy this fun event, with safety and responsibility.