‘Rolling Thunder’ biker convoy to descend on Ottawa. Here’s what you need to know

Ottawa is bracing for the arrival of another convoy of protesters this weekend, just four months after the so-called “Freedom Convoy” began a weeks-long blockade of the capital’s downtown core.

The “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” event will see hundreds of bikers and other demonstrators march through downtown streets and stage several rallies on Parliament Hill starting Friday evening. Read more: Ottawa’s ‘Rolling Thunder’ biker convoy won’t be ‘replay’ of occupation: Mendicino Local and federal authorities have prepared for the convoy’s arrival, closing off roads to vehicles and increasing the number of police officers in the area — intending to avoid another incident like February’s trucker protest, which officials have called an “occupation.” Here’s what we know about the “Rolling Thunder” event and how authorities are responding.

Ottawa police say at least 500 motorcyclists are expected to participate in the weekend-long event, though organizers have said the number could exceed 1,000 bikers.

The Rolling Thunder group has not been clear about the cause they’re rallying for, except to say that they will be in Ottawa to “peacefully celebrate our freedom.” Organizer Neil Sheard said in a YouTube video posted on Sunday that the biker convoy — which includes several military veterans — is focused on holding a service at the National War Memorial, which he says was “desecrated” by police during the Freedom Convoy protests in February.