Motorcycle Safety Checkpoint Conducted

On Sunday, October 19th, rangers from the Highlands District and Alleghany County Sheriff's Department deputies conducted a motorcycle checkpoint in the park. This was another in a series of educational and enforcement activities designed to reduce motor vehicle accidents on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The checkpoint focused on providing a positive safety message, along with printed materials and "Enjoy the View, Watch the Road" key chains. Just over 100 motorcycles came through the checkpoint, which lasted for two-and-a-half hours. Some violations were detected, including seven license and registration infractions, one weapons violation, one arrest for felony level cocaine possession, and eleven motorcycle helmet safety violations. Outreach in the community was conducted prior to the operation and the majority of riders voiced support for it.  This operation built on the success of a similar USPP checkpoint conducted by District 2 Station in Washington. USPP Lt. Art Jacobsen provide valuable assistance in the planning of the operation. Ranger Bruce Gagnon was the operations section chief.