More than 750 members and associates of the Hells Angels and other “outlaw” motorcycle gangs are expected in Windsor-Essex this week, prompting Windsor police and the Ontario Provincial Police to increase their presence while assuring residents there is no known threat to public safety.
The gathering, scheduled for July 16 to 19, is expected to draw participants from across Ontario and other parts of Canada.
“The reason why we’re issuing the advisory is more for awareness,” Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley said Monday.
“We’re letting people know they’re going to see increased police presence in some areas of the city and maybe some traffic issues… and you’re certainly going to see a lot of motorcycle members.”
Crowley said residents should expect to see large groups of motorcycles travelling together, many riders wearing outlaw motorcycle gang colours, along with an increased police presence throughout the region.
“Right now, there’s no public safety concern,” he said. “There’s no intelligence that there’s going to be any issues. Typically, the members of these groups keep to themselves and they really don’t want any trouble either.”
Police are advising motorists to expect temporary traffic delays and exercise patience if they encounter motorcycle convoys.
“The community has no reason to be suspicious or worried for safety,” Crowley said. “Go about your business. These groups will essentially be minding their own business.”
Crowley said similar gatherings have been held elsewhere in Canada and Windsor last hosted a major event involving outlaw motorcycle gangs around 2010.
While emphasizing there is no specific threat, he said police are prepared because of the organizations’ historical ties to organized crime.
“There’s no secret that there is a link to organized crime with these kind of groups,” Crowley said. “That’s why these are a concern and why police are involved.”
The chief said Windsor police are working alongside the OPP and the Canada Border Services Agency throughout the weekend. Officers will monitor activities, manage traffic and enforce impaired driving, speeding and other traffic offences.
Essex County OPP Const. Stephanie Caron said the public can expect increased patrols throughout the area.
“It’s a large presence of a lot of motorcyclists in the area,” Caron said. “It’s really for awareness first and foremost.”
She encouraged residents to report anything suspicious or dangerous to police but said seeing large groups of riders alone should not be cause for alarm.
The Windsor Region Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association said police recently contacted the organization to advise members about the expected influx of visitors.
Association chair Dharmesh Patel said hotels were asked to notify police if they noticed an increase in group bookings so officers could maintain a presence for the safety of guests and staff.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of concern,” Patel said. “It’s just a heads up on obviously having a huge influx of people coming into the area.”
CTV News public safety analyst and former OPP commissioner Chris Lewis said informing the public ahead of time is a prudent step.
“If there’s 750 bikers coming into the city of Windsor, there’s going to be some roadblocks,” Lewis said. “The public are going to get caught up in some of that traffic.”
Lewis said officers from police services across Ontario are expected to assist with intelligence gathering and enforcement while allowing Windsor police to maintain regular service levels.
He advised residents to remain patient, avoid confrontations and leave policing responsibilities to officers.
“Police are well prepared to handle these things,” Lewis said. “If you’re not out and about and hanging out with the bikers, you won’t have to worry.”
Crowley said while many motorcycle rides held in Ontario support charitable causes, this event is different.
“You have legitimate charitable initiatives by motorcycle groups such as Hogs for Hospice and Ride for Dad,” he said. “This is not Hogs for Hospice. This is not Ride for Dad. This is a Canada-wide get-together to celebrate the organization amongst themselves.”
