The recent biker gang tragedy in Waco does not change the preparation process for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this coming August. It’s not exactly business as usual either.

Colonel Craig Price of the South Dakota Highway Patrol acknowledges the incident in Waco, Texas is a tragic ordeal and they are watching it closely. However, Price says over the years monitoring gang activity is part of the process.

“Prior to every year’s rally we touch base with our federal, state and local partners regarding information about what of activity might be going on out there across the country. (That’s) so we can be coming into it with the best information at the time.”

There is a history of past gang activity. Nonetheless, Price feels the rally as a whole is mostly safe. “We’re going to have a big presence and hoping that we can help do our part in providing the safest environment possible. (It’s) so folks can come and enjoy the Rally and really celebrate 75 years of what’s proven to be a fantastic tradition.”

This year’s event will be August 3 through 9. An estimated one million people are expected to attend.

More From KXRB