News – Sheridan Media
The 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, in Sturgis, South Dakota.
What began in 1938 as a small race for local club members has grown into one of the largest motorcycle events in the world. The 75th anniversary rally in 2015 drew a record 739,000 attendees.
Bikers heading to this year’s celebration have already begun riding through the Sheridan region.
As thousands of motorcyclists travel to and from the rally, Wyoming Highway Patrol Captain Erik Jorgensen is urging drivers to stay alert and use extra caution.
Capt. E. Jorgensen
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that motorcyclists remain overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes, with many incidents occurring in the weeks before and after the Sturgis Rally.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022, 54% of motorcyclists killed in states without universal helmet laws—including Wyoming—were not wearing helmets, compared to just 11% in states with universal helmet laws.
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Last modified: August 1, 2025