Having bikes return to Main Street during the Friday the 13th event is simply too risky.
That was the overwhelming message delivered to Norfolk County councillors on Wednesday, as staff and representatives from the OPP, fire services, and paramedics shared their concerns inside council chambers.
OPP Inspector Andy Tait addressed elected officials, highlighting a growing concern: an increase in incidents involving vehicles deliberately driving into large crowds of people.
Raising further alarm for local police was an incident that occurred just one day after the Friday the 13th event in September 2024.
While that event was troubling on its own, the ongoing police investigation revealed even more red flags.
Tait acknowledged the appeal of the event’s atmosphere — pedestrians walking down the busy main streets, flanked by rows of motorcycles — but stressed that the safety risk is simply too great.
He also pointed out that even under current restrictions, there are serious flaws in the emergency response system. At a recent Friday the 13th event, paramedics were delayed responding to a call due to the crowded and congested streets.
Council asked Tait what action police would take if elected officials voted to permit bikes on Main Street despite their warnings.
Tait responded that if the OPP deemed the situation too dangerous, they would have no choice but to intervene.
This stance was echoed by both the fire department and EMS. All three emergency services made it clear: they could not support any plan that would require pedestrians and moving vehicles to co-exist in such a densely packed environment.
This report was given just days before an incident in Vancouver, where police say a man drove his vehicle through a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on Saturday, killing 11 people.
Victims ranged from five to 65 years old.
The full debate can be viewed in the council meeting recording below, starting at 1 hour and 14 minutes in.