Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Road closings for Bikes, Blues & BBQ start today
Organizers estimate 350,000 to attend
FAYETTEVILLE — City officials want to make sure residents stay aware of road closings and parking procedures during Bikes, Blues & BBQ this week.
Police will close Dickson Street from St. Charles to Gregg avenues and West Avenue from Spring to Watson streets. Closings will start at 4 p.m. today and Thursday, 10 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Only motorcycles will be allowed through the barricade.
Off icers will reopen closed roadways to cars once event traffic calms, according to a news release. The closings could change depending on the circumstances for pedestrian and motorcycle safety.
Chief of Staff Don Marr said the closings cover a wider area from last year because of safety concerns.
“We’ve seen nationally where people have used cars
as weapons,” he said. “We want to make sure we don’t create any opportunities for conflict.”
Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Petty said having so many people in one area at the same time requires city officials to make a call. Festival organizers estimate 325,000 to 350,000 attendees.
“When we close streets it’s to keep people safe,” he said.
Parking will be free at the city’s available spaces in the Dickson Street Entertainment District, including the Spring Street deck. Police have reserved the deck’s lower level.
Parking regulations on the square and on-street residential parking will stay as usual. Lots that are managed but not owned by the city and event parking also will be enforced.
More information on parking during Bikes, Blues & BBQ is available at bit.ly/ BBBQ2017parking.
The Parade of Power motorcycle parade will start at 3 p.m. Saturday. The route starts at the Washington County Fairgrounds and goes east on Drake, south on Gregg, east on Township, south on College and west on Dickson. Police will be stationed at intersections to let motorcycles pass through in formation.