More than half a million people descended on South Dakota this week for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. But some are leaving with more than just their bikes.
Arrests and fines increased this year as scantily clad revelers filled the streets of Sturgis, surpassing the numbers seen during the week-long event in 2023.
According to recently released figures from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, a total of 1,326 people were arrested and cited during the rally, including 145 for drug possession and 142 for driving under the influence.
The event is known for the hedonistic atmosphere it creates in the usually quiet Black Hills area. UFC star Connor McGregor was among the partygoers who attended the event.
More than half a million people descended on South Dakota this week for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, though it’s known for drawing more than just bikers to the Black Hills
Scantily clad revelers are now a common sight at the gathering, where a total of 1,326 arrests and fines have been issued this year
Although the annual motorcycle event initially focused mainly on the world of motorcycles, locals have complained in recent years that it has become increasingly crowded with parties and debauchery.
The number of drunk driving arrests this year is 142, up from 109 in 2023. The number of drug arrests is also up, from 212 in 2023 to 259 this year.
However, the number of cyclists injured in accidents while riding through the streets was lower in 2024: this year there were only 33, compared to 59 in 2023.
In both 2023 and 2024, a total of three people died in accidents, while at least eight motorcyclists were seriously injured in the accidents. According to authorities, a number of motorcyclists were also not wearing helmets.
According to officials, more than 150,000 motorcycles come to the city each year, nearly 10 times the entire population of Sturgis during the other 11 months of the year.
A total of 1,326 arrests and tickets were issued during this year’s meeting, including 145 arrests for drug possession and 142 for driving under the influence.
At least three motorcyclists were killed and eight seriously injured in accidents, including several who officials said were not wearing helmets during the hedonistic event.
The cheerful rally draws more than half a million people to the sleepy Black Hills of South Dakota
While some residents may find it annoying that the event takes place in Sturgis every year, it’s also a huge boost to an economy that has been anything but buoyant for 11 months.
The entire state of South Dakota is home to approximately 900,000 people. The influx of over half a million bikers and partygoers is bringing with it a wave of new businesses, live music venues, pop-up bars and events.
For most of the year, the Sturgis Police Department consists of just 20 officers, but as other departments deploy their resources, the police department has grown to become one of the largest in South Dakota.
One of the events that came to the Black Hills Rally this year was the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). This year, a celebrity came to Sturgis to enjoy his time.
Conor McGregor, 36, was spotted drinking a beer in a crowded bar over the weekend, with some onlookers saying he wasn’t really focused on fighting.
Conor McGregor, 36, is seen partying near a woman in Sturgis, South Dakota, over the weekend while enjoying the motorcycle rally
The UFC fighter was in town for the famous motorcycle event, which saw some 158,488 vehicles participate over the course of the week
The UFC star, who co-owns BKFC, seemed aware of the eyes and cameras trained on him at the bar, leading to a hilarious interaction with an overexcited fan in the bar.
A dancing woman attempted to twerk on the former champion, but McGregor simply walked away. The footage has been viewed millions of times on social media.
“This guy is never fighting again,” one bystander tweeted about the widely viewed confrontation, as the clip grew in popularity on social media.
“The girl started twerking and he wasn’t into it,” added another, ending the comment with a laughing emoji.
“She tried to prank Conor McGregor,” read a re-shared clip on TikTok.
‘She tried to cheer up Conor McGregor at the 2024 Sturgis motorcycle rally, but he crashed.’
Others joked about the woman’s height and many took issue with the MMA star’s drinking habits.