Bike Night in Smiths Falls
A growing dispute over the future of Smiths Falls Bike Night has prompted responses from the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association and Smiths Falls Police Service after a local motorcycle business alleged the event’s founder was forced to resign.
Bradshaw Cycle Works said in a social media post that “Ms. C,” who helped create and lead Bike Night, was treated unfairly after a meeting involving the downtown association and police.
Editor’s note: We will be speaking with “Ms. C.” Wednesday morning and will publish a story that afternoon with her viewpoint.
The business alleged police presented photographs showing her greeting and hugging motorcycle riders, including a person identified as a member of a one-per-cent motorcycle club. Bradshaw Cycle Works argued those images were used to suggest she was inviting crime into Smiths Falls and claimed she was forced to resign.
Smiths Falls Police denied that allegation.
Police said they did not force any Downtown Business Improvement Association member to resign and stressed they have no authority to demand the resignation of a volunteer association member.
The service said its role is to develop a public safety plan for events and that officers have worked collaboratively with the downtown association since Bike Night began.
Police said members enjoy taking part and plan to return for the final Bike Night of the season on Sept. 2.
The Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association issued a statement, saying no decision has been made to move Bike Night out of Smiths Falls.
The acting chair said the association wants the event to remain downtown and credited its founder with the vision and work that helped make Bike Night successful.
The DBA said the founder’s resignation was not simply a decision to walk away. According to the association, circumstances following a June Bike Night debrief left her feeling she could not remain on the board and lead the event while also pursuing a formal complaint.
The association said that process is underway and it would be inappropriate to discuss details publicly.
The DBA also raised a separate concern about the event’s future.
It said it has been seeking clarity for more than a year about possible cost recovery for street closures and municipal services. The association said confirmed costs and responsibilities are needed before it can budget for 2027.
If that framework cannot be established, the DBA said other options may have to be considered, although keeping Bike Night in downtown Smiths Falls remains its preference.
Bradshaw Cycle Works, meanwhile, is calling for a public apology and reinstatement of the event founder. It is also encouraging riders to attend the Sept. 2 event peacefully in support of Bike Night.
All three sides agree thousands of riders have helped turn Bike Night into a major downtown event.
The final Smiths Falls Bike Night of 2026 is scheduled for Sept. 2 on Beckwith Street.
