STURGIS, S.D. (KOTA) – The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally saw a decrease in attendance, with 448,166 vehicles entering the area from August 4 to August 13.
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, this figure reflects a nearly 17% drop from the 537,459 vehicles counted during last year’s 85th anniversary rally.
Traffic numbers were also approximately 10% below the five-year average of 498,042 vehicles.
On opening day alone, over 54,000 vehicles entered Sturgis, with nearly 59,000 on the following Saturday, though counts decreased throughout the rally.
It is noted that these counts represent vehicles, not individual attendees.
Fewer Arrests and Accidents
Law enforcement reported a decrease in incidents during this year’s rally. The Sturgis Police Department recorded 482 arrests, citations, and parking violations, down from 538 in 2025. DUI arrests decreased from 58 to 37.
The Meade County Sheriff’s Office noted a reduction in calls for service; deputies responded to 1,200 requests this year compared to 1,487 last year.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol reported 114 DUI arrests in the Sturgis and Rapid City districts, a slight decrease from 119 in 2025.
Crash incidents also fell, with 31 crashes reported with no injuries, 39 injury crashes, and three fatal crashes resulting in three deaths, down from four fatalities last year.
Still a Major Event
Despite the lower numbers, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally remains a significant annual event in the Black Hills, drawing thousands of visitors.
Local businesses benefitted from the influx of motorcycles and visitors, and city officials noted that the event continues to attract audiences from across the nation and beyond.