Staying safe among the motorcycles: Here's what to know about AZ Bike Week traffic
Arizona Bike Week — billed as "the biggest motorcycle event in the Southwest" — rolled back into WestWorld of Scottsdale.
The five-day festival, which kicked off April 2, and continued through April 6, featured concerts, vendor booths, and group rides. Event organizers, Scottsdale city officials, and the Scottsdale Police Department were present to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
In advance of the event, Scottsdale police announced the deployment of a DUI task force aimed at keeping impaired drivers off the road. The Arizona Department of Transportation also issued a notice about a road closure that could impact some drivers heading to north Scottsdale.
Here's what you need to know about Arizona Bike Week traffic and how to stay safe with the increased number of motorcycles on the road.
Here are Scottsdale police's safety tips for motorcyclists:
Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
Stay visible by wearing bright clothing and using reflective materials.
Obey speed limits and traffic signals.
Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Here are some safety tips for other drivers, according to Scottsdale police:
Always check twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
Give motorcyclists a full lane and maintain a safe distance.
Be extra cautious when when making left turns.
Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Loop 101 southbound off-ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard closed on March 25 and was scheduled to reopen in late May. The construction was part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's ongoing freeway widening project in north Scottsdale between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road.
Detours were available for drivers heading to WestWorld for bike week celebrations.
To get to north Scottsdale from downtown Phoenix, take SR-51 north to Loop 101 east. Exit onto Princess Drive/Pima Road and take Bell Road east.
From the west valley, take Loop 101 East to Princess Drive/Pima Road to East Bell Road.
More AZ Bike Week news: Heavy metal headliner cancels local concert. This legendary act is stepping in
In a news release, the Scottsdale Police Department announced it would join forces with other local law enforcement agencies to conduct a "DUI Task Force" and "Saturation Patrol" during the evening hours from April 2 through April 6.
The goal of the task force, according to police, was to remove impaired drivers from the roads before they could harm themselves or others. Officers were on patrol from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. each night throughout Bike Week.
Local public safety agencies also took part in the "Know Your Limit" educational outreach, held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the event. The program offered a 'consequence-free' opportunity for attendees over 21 to check their estimated blood-alcohol content using a portable breathalyzer.
Scottsdale police emphasized that while the consequences of impaired driving can be devastating, "the good news is that it is entirely preventable, and getting a safe ride saves lives."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Bike Week traffic and safety tips
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