Over 100,000 converge on Port Dover, Ont. for Friday the 13th biker rally
Large crowds converged on Port Dover, Ont. Friday as motorcycle enthusiasts gathered for Friday the 13th.
Bikers flock to the lakeside Ontario town whenever the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday – something that happens only once in 2022.
Police estimate over 100,000 people rolled into Norfolk Country for the rally this year.
That’s a return to pre-pandemic levels, after only between 35,000 to 45,000 attended the unsanctioned event in 2021.
“Last year sucked,” said Lisa Waite who travelled to the event from Hamilton. “This year so far has been a great turnout… can’t ask for anything better.”
"It's awesome," said Mike Spike. "Good people, good food, lots of bikes, lots of people and comraderie. This is great. You can't beat this."
The rally also brought a boost to local businesses.
"Just to see people out on the streets again and walking around, it's been a long haul for everybody," said Dan Rieckermann of Multibrand Clothing Boutique. "Everyone is looking forward to seeing everyone and having some sales."
"It's fantastic," said Mary Anne Sault, the manager of Schofields Bistro. "After the past couple years from the pandemic, its just been wonderful to have so many people lined up at the door since we opened. It's great, we love it. We love when Friday the 13th happens."
The county has created a map with road rules for the gathering, including closures, one-way traffic and parking restrictions.
The following roads will be closed Friday from 3 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:
- Nelson St. East (from St. Patrick to Hwy. 24)
- Greenock St. West (from St. George to Richardson Drive)
- Richardson Drive (from Nelson St. West to Greenock St.)
These roads will be closed from Thursday at 4 p.m. to Saturday at 4 a.m.:
- Main St. (from Clifford St. to Walker St.)
- Market St. East (from Main St. to St. Andrew St.)
- Market St. West (from St. George St. to Main St.)
- Park St.
The only exceptions will be made for emergency and service vehicles.
The county also said there would be no dash passes issued, or required, for residents this year. There would also be no shuttle service offered.
Provincial police were also out on the roads on Friday and responded to multiple crashes involving motorcycles near Port Dover including one fatal.
In 2021, there were two collisions on Highway 6 involving motorcycles believed to be heading to the rally. One of those was a motorcycle driver who was killed in Hagersville. Police also responded to crashes in Paris, Norfolk County and Elgin County.
They told CTV News in 2021 that the majority of those collisions were not the fault of the motorcycle operators.
OPP have also released a video with safety reminders for motorcyclists.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.