Port Dover closes major roads ahead of Friday the 13th biker rally

Port Dover in Norfolk County has closed a few arterial roads in anticipation of the popular Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.

The Kinsmen Club of Port Dover and the Port Dover Board of Trade are running the event, and has seen thousands of people attending the rally.

The event first began in the 80s, recurring every Friday the 13th – with this year having only the one rally Friday.

The rally features live performances, vendors and a chance to explore local businesses.

Port Dover have closed major streets in the area.

Four roads will be closed from noon Thursday to Saturday at 4 a.m.:

• Main Street from Nelson to Walker Streets
• Chapman Street West from Main to St. Andrew Streets
• Chapman Street East from Main to St. Andrew Streets
• Market Street West from St. George to Main Streets

Four other roads will also be closed from 3 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday:

• Nelson Street East from St. Patrick Street to Highway 24
• Greenock Street West from St. George Street to Richardson Drive
• Richardson Drive from Nelson Street West to Greenock Street
• Main Street from Clifford to Nelson Streets

Norfolk County bylaw enforcement officers and Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police officers can tow any unauthorized vehicles parked in the designated “No Parking – Tow Away Zones” from noon Thursday to Saturday at 4 a.m., at the owner’s expense.

OPP warns that the fines could exceed $400, and that drinking outside of any areas other than a residence, licensed location or a private place can lead to fines of $125.

Street access and public transportation

New for this year’s Friday the 13th rally, is the implementation of street access for only motorcycles to better traffic flow.

St. George, Walker, and St. Andrew Streets have been designated as motorcycle traffic only, aside from authorized vehicles.

Traffic will move in a one-way loop, with OPP helping with traffic.

Passenger vehicles won’t be allowed onto these roads during the event.

Anyone that lives on the affected roads and need to leave or return home during the event, are told to treat the roads as one-way and to use side streets to travel through town.

The Port Dover Kinsmen will also provide shuttle buses, with pickup and drop-off spots at the Port Dover Kinsmen Hall and Chapman Street – midway between Main and St. Andrew Streets.

The shuttle is free and will be running from 5 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday, and on 9 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday.

Unfortunately, the Ride Norfolk public transit service will not be available to or from Port Dover Friday.

Out of town parking can be found at 468 Concession 2, hosted by Port Dover Sailors Hockey at $10 a person, and a maximum of $40 per vehicle.

WATCH MORE: Thousands plan to attend Port Dover for this week’s Friday the 13th