Denver police are preparing for cruising along Federal Boulevard for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations that are expected Friday through Sunday.
Last year, police and members of CopWatch said all events, including the cruising, were peaceful, even though thousands of revelers hit the streets.
In 2005, 91 people were arrested, and 236 citations were issued for moving violations in connection with cruising along Federal. The arrests of 78 adults and 13 juveniles were all for minor infractions, mostly noise complaints.
Police say they will try to keep traffic flowing and keep lanes open for emergency vehicles. They also will be enforcing noise, trespassing and curfew ordinances.
If there is an obvious hazard, such as drunken driving or people hanging out of a moving vehicle, police will step in.
Police said they will also be watching for people waving flags that could strike or impale pedestrians.
North- and southbound traffic will flow freely along Federal within the recognized cruising route. South of West 20th Avenue, two lanes of traffic will flow in each direction, and the two center lanes will be used for emergency vehicles only.
Local residents traveling on Federal will be allowed east- west travel from Federal once they have contacted an officer at barricades. Officers may ask the resident to show some form of identification to verify a home address.
In an effort to manage the flow, traffic may be diverted off of Federal at various points between West 20th Avenue and West Evans Avenue.
On Saturday and Sunday, there also will be street closures around Civic Center for the 19th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
