FAYETTEVILLE — A Fort Smith man was listed in fair condition Thursday following a motorcycle accident Wednesday night on Razorback Road.
Christopher Cox, 51, was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center just after 8 p.m. He was initially listed in critical condition. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, critical condition means "vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. The patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable."
Cox's condition was later upgraded to fair Thursday, which means a patient's vital signs are stable and within normal limits.
According to a report issued by police, Cox flew off his motorcycle after hitting a curb on South Razorback Road near the Fayetteville revenue office. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Fayetteville Police Sgt. Bill Phelan said the accident was the only serious motorcycle-related collision reported to police during the first night of the 2009 Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally, which started Wednesday and ends Saturday.
The annual rally, now in its 10th year, is expected to draw more than 400,000 visitors from across the country.
"There seemed to be more bikes during the first night than what I've seen in the past," Phelan said. "We really didn't have many problems other than some of the normal stuff we deal with. We spent most of the night issuing a lot of dog warnings, since they're not allowed in the event venue. Other than that, everything went pretty smooth."
In addition to dogs, engine revving and weapons are also prohibited at the festival.
Phelan said police issued two citations to motorcyclists younger than 21 for not wearing helmets. Riders older than 21 don't have to wear a helmet, according to state law.
Officers also made one arrest for third-degree domestic battery and disorderly conduct following a fight on Dickson Street.
Phelan said there were no reports of any stolen motorcycles.
"We staffed our normal patrol with additional officers on Dickson," he said. "I'm sure by Friday things will really start to pick up."
Underage drinking, public intoxication, illegal parking, noise complaints, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated are among the types of criminal activity usually encountered by police during Bikes, Blues & BBQ.
Phelan said police security will increase as streets become more crowded with as many as 50 officers on duty during peak times.
The added security is made possible through mutual-aid agreements with the Springdale Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ has also contracted with the Washington County Sheriff's Office as well as the Fayetteville, Farmington and Lowell police departments to provide approximately 60 extra officers for the event.
The Bikes, Blues & BBQ security operations trailer and command post is located behind the main stage of the Walton Arts Center parking lot.
News, Pages 1, 6 on 09/25/2009