FD Police chief wants guidelines for outdoor events

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News - Biker Rights Issues

Carmody: ‘Proper formatting’ will address Bike Night concerns

By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer



Motorcyclists from around the Fort Dodge area have found a favorite spot to gather on Wednesday night throughout the spring, summer on fall: Amigo's on North First Street.

Their devotion to the weekly get-togethers was on display Monday night when some 60 motorcyclists converged at the Fort Dodge City Council meeting because they were concerned that the elected officials might do something to end what's known as Bike Night.

But during a one-hour workshop session, the elected officials and Police Chief Tim Carmody made it clear that they want Bike Night to continue - with a few new rules on parking, music and lights.

Carmody said his goal to put in place some clearly defined rules that will make the event safe and orderly for everyone.

''The key is to provide the proper formatting,'' he said.

He added that wants to make the Bike Night situation a ''working template'' for addressing other special events.

''I know it really feels like Bike Night is being singled out, but the goal is all-encompassing,'' Mayor Matt Bemrich told the motorcyclists in the audience.

Complaints about the event made by Jim and Lois Allison led to Monday's workshop. The Allison live at the corner of Seventh Avenue North and Hawkeye Avenue, east of Amigo's.

''We are the ones that have to live with a mini-Sturgis every Wednesday,'' Lois Allison told the council. She was referring to a large motorcycle rally held every year in Sturgis, S.D.

Lois Allison said she and her husband can't enjoy their Wednesday evenings because of noise and, after dark, the glow of lights at Amigo's.

The Allisons previously gave Carmody a 31-minute video they made of a Bike Night gathering. The police chief played part of that video for the council. He said it showed some ''very clear'' parking concerns. He said it also showed 15 instances of vehicles driving on a nearby city trail, which is illegal.

Carmody said some short posts called bollards are being placed at the entrance to the trail to prevent vehicles from driving on it.

He added that parking on the grass, especially near the water well that is across the street from Amigo's, must stop. He said that perhaps the council could close part of First Street near Amigo's so that motorcycles can be parked there on Bike Night.

Carmody wants the council to establish some policies regarding music, lights and the use of the volleyball courts near Amigo's. He said he'll research the ordinances of other similarly sized cities so that he can make some recommendations to the council.

At least some of the motorcyclists expressed a desire to work with the police on Bike Nights.

''We can probably take care of the parking problem within,'' said Doug Smith, of Fort Dodge. ''I'd rather be part of the solution than part of the problem.''

Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it