Law Enforcement Agencies Join Forces to Ensure Safe Roadways During "Ride of the Century" Motorcycle EventOn Wednesday, August 28, 2013, the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis, St. Louis County Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will announce at a press conference combined efforts to combat reckless behavior of motorcyclists during the "Ride of the Century" motorcycle event in St. Louis.
During the weekend of August 30 to September 1, 2013, hundreds of motorcyclists will converge in the St. Louis region. In past years, participants have been known to block highways, travel the wrong way on roadways drive erratically to evade law enforcement while completing dangerous stunts. Stunts are commonly preformed in the middle of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas, with no regard for traffic laws or signals, and create dangerous driving conditions and often cause automobile accidents. Participants commonly flee from officers.
"At past "Ride of the Century" events, motorcyclists have demonstrated incredibly poor judgment and hazardous behavior, putting not only themselves in danger, but risking the safety of law abiding citizens," said Chief Sam Dotson. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated and violators will be cited or arrested."
St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch added, "St. Louis County officers will be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that citizens can safely travel the streets and that all motorcyclists participating in illegal and hazardous activity will be penalized."
Captain Ronald Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol states, "Citizens and visitors travelling on Missouri highways can be assured that this combined effort will focus on maintaining uninterrupted traffic flow and focusing on the safety of motorists."
Working with law enforcement agencies throughout the region, we will coordinate efforts to ensure motorists remain safe on roadways during the event.
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