Andrea Markezich

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest motorbike rally in the world, attracting bikers from all over the United States. This South Dakota rally first began in 1938 and has evolved into a massive ten-day event, estimated to generate $800 million in annual revenue. On average, 500,000 bikers come into the small town each year for the event. Locals rent out their front and backyards for bikers to camp on, and motels quickly sell out.

Introduction When the COVID-19 pandemic hit around March 2020, governments around the world imposed lockdown measures for “unessential” businesses, resulting in closed doors, limited hours of operation and increases in unemployment. In the United States, amusement parks shut down along with many other leisure-type businesses, leaving people searching for a replacement. Some found that replacement in national parks. At the same time, news outlets reported increases in RV sales.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, cities all around the world went into lockdown. Roads were deserted as businesses closed and sent employees home to work. In the United States, we saw major congestion hotspots transform to free flow traffic as people stopped commuting downtown to work. Now, over a year later, businesses are opening and the roads are returning to their pre-COVID state.