Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota rally to be blocked at tribal land checkpoints
Clampdown comes as fears mount that mask-free bikers headed to large gathering could spread coronavirus to tribal groups
Thousands of bikers heading to South Dakota’s 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will not be allowed through Cheyenne River Sioux checkpoints, a spokesman for the Native American group said on Saturday.
The decision to prevent access across tribal lands to the annual rally, which could attract as many as 250,000 bikers amid fears it could lead to a massive, regional coronavirus outbreak, comes as part of larger Covid-19 prevention policy. The policy has pitted seven tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation against federal and state authorities, which both claim the checkpoints are illegal.
Related: ‘It’s just madness’: bikers throng South Dakota town despite Covid threat
I trusted my people, they trusted me, and South Dakota is in a good spot in our fight against COVID-19.
The #Sturgis motorcycle rally starts this weekend, and we’re excited for visitors to see what our great state has to offer! https://t.co/UiHvaYviqa
