Drive safely and ‘watch out for criminal activity’ at Port Dover motorcycle rally on Friday the 13th, police say

Ontario Provincial Police are asking visitors to Port Dover, Ontario, for the upcoming Friday the 13th motorcycle rally to drive with caution, be aware that “outlaw motorcycle gangs” will be present and to be on the lookout for “potential criminal activity.”

The police department said in a press release that while “the majority of people who attend Friday the 13th events are motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy the camaraderie of other riders and the chance to admire the motorcycles on display … members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) will also be in attendance.”

Police are asking the public to “be aware of potential criminal activity associated with large gatherings. Displaying gang-related clothing or paraphernalia may increase your risk of being targeted by rival groups.”

The Friday the 13th Motorcycle Rally draws thousands of bikers to Port Dover. It is a tradition that has been held every Friday the 13th since 1981 and attracts visitors from all over the province and the US.

OPP Const. Andrew Gamble said by email that “Port Dover attracted approximately 50,000 visitors at the height of the event last October. With sunny skies and temperatures expected to be in the mid to high 20s this Friday, we are likely to surpass that number this year.”

Bands including The Hip Experience, a Tragically Hip cover band, will perform on a stage at Man St. and Walker St. in Port Dover. Performances begin at 5pm on Thursday and resume at 11am on Friday.

Visit the Norfolk County website for more information on road closures in the region.

OPP also said the airspace will be closed and no one will be allowed to fly a drone or aircraft in the area unless they have permission from Transport Canada.