Freezing temperatures and slow driving conditions discouraged many motorcyclists from making the trek to Port Dover, Ontario for the Friday the 13th celebrations.
The annual event, held once and sometimes twice a year since 1981, typically attracts tens of thousands of bikers to the small community in the warmer months, with fewer numbers in the winter.
It appears that only a handful of bikers reached Port Dover by mid-day, according to the Ontario Provincial Police on Friday.
Environment Canada’s forecast called for wind gusts and a high temperature of -1 °C, with a wind chill feeling as low as -9.
“Four, I see four motorcycles down there,” Cast. Ed Sanchuk of Norfolk OPP said on the phone just after 1:30 p.m.
“It must have made for a difficult drive this morning as the roads were covered with snow and ice, and we responded to several collisions with minor injuries, thank god. This is just a reminder, if you are traveling , the roads are still smooth so please drive slow, drive according to road and weather conditions.
Police emphasize road safety ahead of winter in Port Dover, Ontario on Friday the 13th.
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Sanchuk said motorists are also being advised to watch for motorcycles on the road in case more people arrive in the community after noon.
He said those who are planning to smoke or consume other narcotics in Port Dover should make sure they have a plan in place first.
“Make sure they take an Uber, sleep over, have a friend or family member come over and pick them up. Please do not get behind that wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs or the handlebar of a motorcycle,” he said.
“We will have roaming ride spot check outs, which will happen in the early hours of the morning…. We don’t want to knock on anyone’s door to say that their loved one was seriously injured or killed as a result of a preventable impaired driving incident.
According to police estimates, last year’s Friday the 13th rally on May 13 drew more than 100,000 people.
However, the celebration was troubled by a number of collisions including on Blueline Road and St John’s Road. that killed a motorcyclist,
Next Friday the 13th rally will be in October.
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