Brant County man killed in motorcycle crash
The Friday the 13th motorcycle rally that drew tens of thousands to Port Dover was a well-run event thanks to the work of organizers, says the head of Norfolk OPP
Acting Insp. Shawn Johnson, interim detachment commander, said that, over the years, the community has learned a great deal about accommodating such a large crowd and the success of last Friday’s event is the result of that experience.
“We estimate that probably 100,000 people were in attendance,” Johnson said this week during a meeting of the Norfolk police services board. “Overall, policing-wise, we had more than 300 OPP members in attendance from across West Region. including Norfolk, central region, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and Orillia.”
During the event, police received 36 calls for service, of which seven were to help paramedics. A further five calls were motor vehicle collisions, with four resulting in property damage or minor injuries.
“We’re happy to say there weren’t a lot of offenses – there were five tickets issued – so there wasn’t a lot of alcohol-related or traffic violations,” Johnson said.
The weather co-operated for the gathering that draws bikers to the community on every Friday the 13th. The sun was shining, and it was hot enough for many visitors to stroll around in shorts and tanktops as they checked out street vendors or waited in line to enter restaurants and beer tents.
But what may have been a bigger draw was the absence of COVID-19 restrictions that kept a lid on the last gathering in August 2021.
Michael Cruse, who was appointed to the police board in January, praised the work of police in handling such a large event.
“I was down at the event on Friday – mid-afternoon – with my family and we walked through the entire event along Main Street and down to the pier,” Cruse said. “I just thought it was well run.
“We felt safe, secure and everybody around us, everyone we had contact with, felt the same way.”
Norfolk County. Kim Huffman, vice-chair of the board, said she heard a lot of positive feedback from those who attended the event.
She noted that, by Saturday morning, “it was like nothing had taken place” in the community.
“The streets were cleared and it was back to regular Port Dover,” she said. “Thanks to everyone. I think we’re getting this event down to a fine art.”
The celebratory mood was marred by several motorcycle crashes, including one in which a motorcyclist died.
The fatal crash occurred at Blueline and St. John’s roads, near Port Dover, shortly after 1 pm, Norfolk OPP said.
The motorcyclist, who police identified Wednesday as Les Stys, 65, of Oakland in Brant County, died in hospital.
The motorcycle was traveling north on Blueline Road when it collided with a vehicle heading west on St. John’s Road, police said. The motor vehicle driver was not injured.
During the board meeting, Johnson expressed his condolences to the Stys family and friends.
Stys loved motocross, drag racing and numerous other activities, according to a death notice published online by Thompson Mott Funeral Home in Waterford.
“He was always up to do anything if it meant he got to spend time with his family and friends,” said the notice. “He is going to be missed beyond measure.”
He also enjoyed hockey, baseball, hunting and fishing.
The family plans a celebration of life on May 28 with an open house from 2 pm to 8 pm at 23 Maple Ave. S., Scotland.
Stys is survived by his wife, Jenny, and three children and their families.