Sturgis council approves AFTE request to use city Harley for TV b‑roll; insurance coverage addressed

The Sturgis Common Council unanimously approved a late request Aug. 10 from AFTE to use a 2023 Harley‑Davidson Road Glide owned by the city for television B‑roll footage during the Sturgis TT Races broadcast.

AFTE said the motorcycle would be used to capture supplemental footage (B‑roll) for national broadcasts and that prior city footage had aired on Fox & Friends and Fox Business. Jean Richie described B‑roll as short video content used as transitions in the TV show and noted the coverage had given Sturgis national exposure.

Councilor Targets asked who would be liable if an accident occurred. Mister Marshall replied that, if council approves the request, the motorcycle would be covered under the city’s existing liability and property damage policy through SDAPP at no additional cost. He added the policy does not provide workers’ compensation for non‑city riders; AFTE or AMA Pro riders are not city employees and therefore could not file a workers’ compensation claim through the city.

A member of the public, Kevin, noted the city historically denied use of city vehicles by non‑employees but said he supported allowing the motorcycle’s use if there is no extra cost or risk to the city. Ruth moved to approve AFTE’s request; Jim seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

The council recorded no additional conditions in the motion; staff will implement the permission and confirmed insurance coverage as described in the meeting.