Cave Creek officials say Bike Week drew large crowds, three DUIs and one serious injury

A town official reported that Cave Creek’s April Bike Week (April 3–12) drew heavy attendance and boosted sales for participating businesses, while public‑safety teams recorded three DUI arrests and one serious injury crash during the event period.

The presenter told the council approximately 150 green‑waste loads were brought to a recent collection event and that businesses that participated in Bike Week reported sales increases of about 20% over last year. “For the total event April 3rd through 12th we had three DUIs,” the presenter said.

The speaker said one serious injury crash occurred on April 3; that incident involved a motorist who police said was leaving a local establishment and driving recklessly. The presenter characterized the crash as not caused by Bike Week participants but noted it happened while the event was underway.

Public‑safety staff described the operational response: deputies and task‑force officers increased presence for traffic enforcement, and the sheriff’s office provided additional personnel at no cost to the town. The marshal and fire personnel also reported responding to numerous heat‑related medical calls and other minor incidents but no widespread disorder.

Council members pressed staff for more event‑planning detail, asking for vendor counts and layout information. Staff said vendor participation changed by venue (for example, the Horny Toad tents were about 12 this year, down from about 15 last year) and that some vendors on private property (referred to as the Oldtown Dump property) hosted tents independent of adjacent businesses.

Councilmembers and staff discussed traffic control and whether lane changes or road closures should begin earlier in future events to reduce risks. One councilmember suggested a debrief with bar and property owners and recommended expanding traffic control coverage on the first Friday of Bike Week; staff said they would evaluate that option for next year.

The council also asked about vendor licensing and tax collection. Town staff reported inspecting vendors during the event; compliance improved year over year, and staff said about four vendors were operating without business licenses this year and would be ticketed without grace in the future.

The council recognized the public‑safety successes while noting reputational impacts from the high‑profile crash. Staff and council members agreed to return with more granular counts and to hold post‑event debriefings with property and venue operators.

The meeting closed the Bike Week item with no formal vote on event policy changes; next steps were described as staff follow‑up and a future report to the council.