Council Approves Street Closure for ‘Fallen Riders’ Motorcycle Event on Jefferson Street

Martindale officials approved a street-closure application for a motorcycle event known as the Fallen Riders ride and said they will coordinate with downtown businesses and city departments to prepare the route.

The Board of Works voted to approve a closure of Jefferson Street between Morgan and Pike for the event, which staff recorded as Friday, Sept. 20, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. “Motion made and seconded to approve the street closure for the fallen riders ride, which will be Friday, September 20 from 1 until 8. The Jefferson Street between Morgan And Pike,” a meeting transcript records.

Why it matters: The event closes a single block for several hours and affects downtown businesses, parking and park operations on that day. Officials discussed outreach to business owners and removal of metal bollards that could impede motorcycles.

Details and coordination: Staff said the rider group requested the same block used for an earlier ride and that restaurants around the square benefit from event patrons. City staff said they would notify the Chamber of Commerce and the tourism bureau and would work with the parks and street departments to remove metal bollards and deploy wooden barricades, as they did at a prior event.

What was decided and next steps: The Board approved the closure; staff will notify downtown businesses through the Chamber of Commerce if the application is finalized and will arrange barricades and bollard removal with the parks and streets departments. No fee or permit conditions were detailed at the meeting.

Ending: The board recorded the vote as approved and noted the event’s short duration; the city will provide operational support if the organizer proceeds as described.