OPP urge road safety as thousands head to Port Dover for Friday the 13th | CBC News

It’s the final Friday the 13th of the year and that means thousands of bikers will be riding to the lakeshore town of Port Dover, Ont.

Motorcycle enthusiasts have met in Port Dover on Friday the 13th since 1981 and the event draws bikers from Ontario and some parts of the U.S.

Ahead of the event, Ontario Provincial Police are reminding bikers to be careful while driving.

“Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence in and around Port Dover,” said Const. Andrew Gamble with Norfolk County OPP.

“Throughout the course of the event, there will be road closures in effect, so anyone who anticipates traveling to Port Dover to participate in the festivities is kindly reminded and urged to obey all traffic laws, road closure signs, and to utilize safe driving habits to ensure the event remains tragedy free for the day.”

A motorcyclist was killed on the afternoon of May 13, 2022, in a crash involving a vehicle at Blueline Road and St. John’s Road East, just outside of town.

With a forecast calling for moderate temperatures and no rain, Gamble said about 50,000 people are expected to arrive in Port Dover, Friday, but the crowds have grown to 100,000 in years past.

“We’re always asking whether it’s a motorcyclist or other driver on the roadways, to prioritize safety and use those safe driving habits – whether it’s remaining attentive, obeying the traffic laws, following at a safe distance and adhering to weather conditions,” said Gamble.

For more information on area road closures, visit the Norfolk County website.