Motorcycle noise pollution Crimes & Incidents, posted by Paloaltojon, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Jun 16, 2008 at 9:25 pm Paloaltojon is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online
Is it just me? Am I getting old and cranky?
Last week I had to suspend my dinner conversation twice while unmuffled motorcycles cruised by the University Ave restaurant where I was dining. This past weekend, I was jolted out of a sound sleep at 2:15 AM when an unmuffled motorcycle roared past my Hamilton Ave home (I'd bet he hit 80 mph by the time he rounded the dog-leg at Chaucer and continued down the Hamilton Ave straight-away.)
It is my impression that it is increasingly popular to equip motorcycles with straight pipes, i.e., unmuffled. While it is not the biggest issue in our community, maybe a few of us should ask the chief of police to just-say-no.
Posted by Sylai, a resident of the Leland Manor/Garland Drive neighborhood, on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I agree, but it's very hard to catch offenders. I would like to see the police tagging those noisemakers with a stiff fine. Anyone who drives a motorcycle in that way is just plain ignorant, or stupid.
Posted by Kate, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Jun 17, 2008 at 9:26 am
Motorcyclist will tell you that loud pipes saves lives. They are in a similar situation as a bicyclist in that cars just don't seem to see them.
I personally do not like the amount of noise either, but I dislike the low-rider cars and jacked-up trucks that cruise down University Ave. with sound systems that make the ground vibrate even more.
I agree that the police need to pay attention here. I don't expect it though.
Posted by just thinkin', a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jun 17, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Oakland PD just switched their bikes to louder pipes for "safety reasons" after quieting them awhile back because some officers complained of hearing problems.
Posted by Walter E. Wallis, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jun 18, 2008 at 9:42 am
Loud pipes save lives? negatory, good buddies. A biker saves his life by situational awareness and maneuverability. You avoid T-boning by not being there. Loud pipes don't even give better performance, since modern mufflers actually expedite exhaust scavenging. Loud pipes are a juvenile form of audio vandalism. Real men don't need trumpets to announce their manhood.
Posted by dave, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Well said, Walter. Attracting attention is a sure sign of a juvenile - one who doesn't have confidence in themselves without some sort of overt display.
Posted by Wearing Earplugs, a resident of the South of Midtown neighborhood, on Jun 29, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Downtown San Luis Obispo used to be tranquil, now it's the thing to have really loud cars and motorcycles. Walking around downtown there is not pleasant now. Might want to nip this PA issue in the bud.
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