AUSTIN -- Motorcyclists will take over Austin this weekend for the Republic of Texas Biker Rally, and local law enforcement officials are not expecting any violence, they said in a press conference Wednesday.
This year is the ROT Rally's 20th anniversary. Wednesday, hundreds of riders pulled trailers to set up camp at the Travis County Expo Center. Nearly 45,000 bikers are expected to be in Austin and an estimated total of 200,000 people will be out enjoying the rally.
"It looks like our crowd is going to be bigger than ever this year," said Republic of Texas Biker Rally President Jerry Bragg.
But after the violent shootout between two biker gangs last month in Waco that left nine people dead, many wonder if violence is coming to Austin.
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said information from the department and talks with local and federal agencies and even bikers indicate they aren't expecting violence.
"We have talked to some of the motorcycle gang leaders. They have assured us they have absolutely no intention of creating any issues, and we have assured them that if they do, we are prepared and we will take whatever necessary action we need to," said Acevedo.
This year, those preparations are starting inside the rally itself.
"We are going to have a high, a very large presence of undercover officers in the operational area, throughout ROT Rally. Some of them will be plain clothes where you will not know its them, some will be from our gang unit that will be wearing their tactical gear, readily identifiable as gang unit members. We are also going to have spotters on roof tops, we're going to have a lot of resources out," said Acevedo.
Travis County sheriff's deputies will also have an increased presence at the fairgrounds. Yet, officers say their bigger concern is safety on the roads.
"Think about the bloody year that we're having so far in Austin, Texas," Acevedo said. "We are killing people in this city at an absolute alarming rate, and this weekend is about trying to turn that tide."
Acevedo noted there have been 47 fatal crashes so far this year. He added that during last year's ROT Rally, there were 185 crashes, 13 of which involved motorcycles. While none of the motorcycle crashes were fatal, five resulted in serious injuries and 77 percent of the bikers involved didn't wear helmets.
He and other law enforcement agencies are calling on both bikers and drivers to be cautious on the roads this weekend.
APD is enforcing a "no refusal" policy from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday. During that time, if anyone is suspected of driving intoxicated, a warrant will be signed to have their blood drawn. APD is teaming up with 21 other departments across Central Texas to target reckless driving with the Drive Alive campaign from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Sunday.
"Turn your head, signal your intent. Make sure you don't get in a crash and get somebody killed because you're too lazy to follow some simple rules," added Acevedo.
Police also want the public to be informed about all of the road closures that will be in effect for the ROT Rally parade. Vehicles on the effected portion of Congress Avenue that are not moved by 4 p.m. Friday will be towed.
