It was kickstands up for a son, brother and friend. Members of London’s Free Riders group gathered Saturday for a memorial ride to honor 36-year-old Stephen Steinsland, who was killed in a crash at Sarnia Road and Castlegrove Boulevard in London, Ont. on Sept. 21, 2026. “It’s incredible to see how many people, the passion they have to see how much of an amazing person he was,” said friend Josh Bumpus. The day began with dozens of bikers gathering at Tim Horton’s on Admiral Drive. “It’s a bittersweet day,” said friend Tiffany Vanderlaa. “I think it’s amazing to see all these people come out. It shows how impactful Steve was. The day that the accident happened, he was at mine and Josh’s house and we were talking about plans for Florida in the future. It’s so sad I’m going forward without him.” After leaving East London, the riders made their way around the city, ending at the crash site for a ceremony at a makeshift monument. They held a moment of silence; tears were shed and family and friends gathered to lay flowers and other items on the memorial. “I don’t even know how to describe him other than he was larger than life,” said Mark Steinsland, Steven’s father. “I never realized how many friends he hung out with and this is just this is huge.” The fatal crash remains under investigation, but some in attendance say he was traveling on Sarnia Road at the speed limit when a car turned left and hit him. “Myself and my fiance (Vanderlaa) are both motorcycle instructors with Fanshawe for the safety course,” said Bumpus.“We are huge safety advocates and riding appropriately. Within the city, it’s just not safe.” Vanderlaa says cars have much more protection than riders, so drivers need to always be aware of their surroundings. “One wrong turn in front of us can end our lives,” she said. “Steve is a great example of that. Going the speed limit and just trying to get home at the end of the day. He lost his life and it is absolutely tragic what happened.” It was one last sendoff for a man loved by many. “He would have loved this,” said friend Rachel Cloud. “He would have loved it. He’s passionate about motorcycles and you realize just what an impact he made all over the place. Work, community, gym everyone loved him.”
