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©Maine Citizens Against Loud Motorcylces
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Maine Citizens Against Loud Motorcycles
A grassroots coalition of Maine residents dedicated to bringing peace & quiet to our streets & neighborhoods by passing & enforcing state laws & local ordinances to assure that motorcycles run legally
and quietly in Maine.
and quietly in Maine.
M E C A L M
Owner Manuals Warn Tampering With
Motorcycle Muffler Violates Federal Law
A key argument made by pro-noise elements is that it would be difficult and expensive for motorcycle owners today to find replacement mufflers bearing the legal EPA-approved sticker that would match their bikes. However, below is an excerpt from the owners manual for a 2002 Susuzki Volusia, clearing stating that tampering with the original muffler violates federal law. Federal regulations have required language like this to be included in all new motorcycle manuals since 1983.
In other words, motorcycle owners have fair warning that when they replace or tamper with mufflers they're breaking the law. That certainly undercuts their argument that it's now somehow unfair to ask them to comply with the law. The consequences of violating the law, legal or financial, are ones they brought upon themselves by illegally altering a bike, or buying and operating an altered bike.
Motorcycle Muffler Violates Federal Law
A key argument made by pro-noise elements is that it would be difficult and expensive for motorcycle owners today to find replacement mufflers bearing the legal EPA-approved sticker that would match their bikes. However, below is an excerpt from the owners manual for a 2002 Susuzki Volusia, clearing stating that tampering with the original muffler violates federal law. Federal regulations have required language like this to be included in all new motorcycle manuals since 1983.
In other words, motorcycle owners have fair warning that when they replace or tamper with mufflers they're breaking the law. That certainly undercuts their argument that it's now somehow unfair to ask them to comply with the law. The consequences of violating the law, legal or financial, are ones they brought upon themselves by illegally altering a bike, or buying and operating an altered bike.
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Muffler tampering warning in manual for 2002 Suzuki Volusia.
Hurt Report Details Cause
of Motorcylce Crashes
The most detailed study ever done on the cause of motorcylce accidents was the Hurt Report, conducted in 1981 for the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA). Surpringly, given the explosion of bike popularity, the study has never been updated. It found "significant collision avoidance problems," suggesting that safety training, rather than "loud pipes," is the key to reducing accidents.
of Motorcylce Crashes
The most detailed study ever done on the cause of motorcylce accidents was the Hurt Report, conducted in 1981 for the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA). Surpringly, given the explosion of bike popularity, the study has never been updated. It found "significant collision avoidance problems," suggesting that safety training, rather than "loud pipes," is the key to reducing accidents.
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Opposes Loud Pipes
Even the top motorcycle riders group in the nation agrees that loud pipes are offensive. On its website, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) says it "believes that few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively loud motorcycles. All motorcycles are manufactured to meet federally mandated sound control standards. Unfortunately, a small number of riders who install unmuffled aftermarket exhaust systems perpetuate a public myth that all motorcycles are loud." However, the AMA says most proposed regulations to crack down on loud bikes are unfair and unenforceable.
Even the top motorcycle riders group in the nation agrees that loud pipes are offensive. On its website, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) says it "believes that few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively loud motorcycles. All motorcycles are manufactured to meet federally mandated sound control standards. Unfortunately, a small number of riders who install unmuffled aftermarket exhaust systems perpetuate a public myth that all motorcycles are loud." However, the AMA says most proposed regulations to crack down on loud bikes are unfair and unenforceable.
Maine Municipal Association: Loud Bikes "Serious Concern" for Towns and Cities
Motorcyclists intent on blocking any anti-noise legislation, no matter how reasonable, are fond of saying that the issue concerns only a handful of cranks. However, the Maine Municipal Association (www.memun.org), representing the state's towns and cities, says otherwise. It told the legislature in testimony February 2, 2010 that "excessive noise caused by motorcyles and other motor vehicles is a serious concern at the municipal level. Excessive noise is an issue for which municipal officials receive resident complaints, especially during the warmer months when windows are open and motorcycles are out in force." If the legislature wants to tackle the issue, the association said it is ready to work "to develop a statewide policy that meets the needs of all interested parties."
Motorcyclists intent on blocking any anti-noise legislation, no matter how reasonable, are fond of saying that the issue concerns only a handful of cranks. However, the Maine Municipal Association (www.memun.org), representing the state's towns and cities, says otherwise. It told the legislature in testimony February 2, 2010 that "excessive noise caused by motorcyles and other motor vehicles is a serious concern at the municipal level. Excessive noise is an issue for which municipal officials receive resident complaints, especially during the warmer months when windows are open and motorcycles are out in force." If the legislature wants to tackle the issue, the association said it is ready to work "to develop a statewide policy that meets the needs of all interested parties."
Please visit and consider joining NoiseOFF.org, a leader in the fight to curb loud motorcycles and many other forms of noise pollution.
ONE LOCAL ACTIVIST’S STORY: A BLUEPRINT FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY ACTION TO CURB LOUD BIKES
By Claire Unsinn,
Kennebunk, Maine
June 2011
In the past few years I have had some success in getting police and selectmen to work on the problem of excessive motorcycle noise in my town of Kennebunk, Maine. Following are suggestions for capturing the attention of local and state officials in the ongoing battle against biker noise.
By Claire Unsinn,
Kennebunk, Maine
June 2011
In the past few years I have had some success in getting police and selectmen to work on the problem of excessive motorcycle noise in my town of Kennebunk, Maine. Following are suggestions for capturing the attention of local and state officials in the ongoing battle against biker noise.
Responding to citizen complaints, the town of Kennebunk, Maine put up a number of signs around town in 2010, including this one on Route 1. Several of the signs were immediately stolen (post and all) but some remain. MECALM gets inquiries from all over the country about the source for these signs. Kennebunk's were custom-ordered from Perma-Line of Brockton, MA (www.perma-line.com) but a simple internet search will reveal many sources for road signs.
CIRCULATE A PETITION . . . Here’s an example of a petition heading: “We, the following residents of___________, are disturbed by the excessive noise of motorcycles in our community. We ask local and state officials to address this problem.” Town voting days are a good time to collect signatures. Many towns will let you sit with petitions at the polls. Present the petition to town selectmen, council members, the mayor, police chief, and your local state senators and representatives.
EDUCATE YOURSELF . . . about Maine state motorcycle laws, which are listed on the MECALM website at www.mecalm.org. Share this information with town officials. Many police officers are ignorant of the laws already on the books that can be enforced today against loud bikes.
EXPRESS YOUR CONCERNS . . . with town officials one-on-one. If possible, invite officials to your home so they can experience the noise from your perspective. This personal communication can be very effective.
BE FIRM BUT CALM . . . in communicating your concerns. Excessive emotion can be a turn-off and officials may tune you out. Avoid insulting, sarcastic, or threatening remarks. If you feel uncomfortable speaking at a public meeting try reading from a pre-written statement.
WRITE LETTERS . . . concerning the noise issue to your local newspapers.
FIND OTHER RESIDENTS . . . of like mind and ask them to call, write or email their concerns to local and state officials. Be sure to provide the email addresses of the target officials to facilitate the process.
EDUCATE YOURSELF . . . about Maine state motorcycle laws, which are listed on the MECALM website at www.mecalm.org. Share this information with town officials. Many police officers are ignorant of the laws already on the books that can be enforced today against loud bikes.
EXPRESS YOUR CONCERNS . . . with town officials one-on-one. If possible, invite officials to your home so they can experience the noise from your perspective. This personal communication can be very effective.
BE FIRM BUT CALM . . . in communicating your concerns. Excessive emotion can be a turn-off and officials may tune you out. Avoid insulting, sarcastic, or threatening remarks. If you feel uncomfortable speaking at a public meeting try reading from a pre-written statement.
WRITE LETTERS . . . concerning the noise issue to your local newspapers.
FIND OTHER RESIDENTS . . . of like mind and ask them to call, write or email their concerns to local and state officials. Be sure to provide the email addresses of the target officials to facilitate the process.
ASK RESIDENTS TO ATTEND TOWN MEETINGS . . . Even if residents don’t feel comfortable speaking up, their mere presence sends a message.
SEEK LOCAL POLICE EDUCATON . . . Some police officers admit they don’t know how to identify illegal motorcycle mufflers. Suggest that your police chief invite state police to educate officers on how to spot and identify illegal mufflers. The towns of Kennebunk and York recently conducted such workshops.
VEHICLE CHECKPOINTS . . . In the summer of 2010 Kennebunk police conducted checkpoints where they issued tickets for lack of inspection (for all vehicles, not just motorcycles). In the summer of 2011 they plan more checkpoints and will be issuing tickets for illegal mufflers, as well as non-inspection. York will conduct similar checkpoints. Suggest that your town do the same.
SUPPORT STATEWIDE LEGISLATION . . . Be aware of any anti-motorcycle noise bills introduced in the state legislature. Attend legislative hearings to either testify or show support with your presence. Write state officials in support of these bills. Encourage friends and acquaintances to do the same.
YOU DESERVE QUIET . . . Keep reminding yourself that you deserve peace and quiet. Bikers do not have the right to bully you with their acoustic assaults.
Being an activist for freedom from the abuse of motorcycle noise calls for hard work, patience, perseverance, self-education, and courage. Change can be slow and you may get discouraged, but don’t give up! MECALM activists have accomplished a lot in a relatively short time. I feel confident that as more people join in the fight against excessive motorcycle noise the problem will be eradicated as additional effective laws are passed and police improve enforcement. It’s worth the fight.
SEEK LOCAL POLICE EDUCATON . . . Some police officers admit they don’t know how to identify illegal motorcycle mufflers. Suggest that your police chief invite state police to educate officers on how to spot and identify illegal mufflers. The towns of Kennebunk and York recently conducted such workshops.
VEHICLE CHECKPOINTS . . . In the summer of 2010 Kennebunk police conducted checkpoints where they issued tickets for lack of inspection (for all vehicles, not just motorcycles). In the summer of 2011 they plan more checkpoints and will be issuing tickets for illegal mufflers, as well as non-inspection. York will conduct similar checkpoints. Suggest that your town do the same.
SUPPORT STATEWIDE LEGISLATION . . . Be aware of any anti-motorcycle noise bills introduced in the state legislature. Attend legislative hearings to either testify or show support with your presence. Write state officials in support of these bills. Encourage friends and acquaintances to do the same.
YOU DESERVE QUIET . . . Keep reminding yourself that you deserve peace and quiet. Bikers do not have the right to bully you with their acoustic assaults.
Being an activist for freedom from the abuse of motorcycle noise calls for hard work, patience, perseverance, self-education, and courage. Change can be slow and you may get discouraged, but don’t give up! MECALM activists have accomplished a lot in a relatively short time. I feel confident that as more people join in the fight against excessive motorcycle noise the problem will be eradicated as additional effective laws are passed and police improve enforcement. It’s worth the fight.