Motorcyclists revved up over proposed noise bylaw

Motorcycle riders are making a commotion over a proposed redraft of a Fredericton noise bylaw that would extend to include motorcycles.

Members of Fredericton city council have set a 92 decibel limit — about the level at which regular sustained exposure may cause permanent hearing loss — in the proposed bylaw designed to target, so-called, nuisance bikers.

"What we're concerned about is modifications to vehicles that — you know, aftermarket exhausts principally for both cars, trucks, motorcycles — that do cause undue noise," said Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase.

But motorcyclists like Ron Hanna say even unmodified bikes exceed that limit. Hanna took both his bike and his wife’s bike to a free testing clinic held by police last week.

"This bike right here failed. And it has stock pipes on it," he said.

Hanna and other motorcyclists attended the last Fredericton council meeting to lobby against the proposed bylaw, saying that it targets motorcyclists unfairly.

Seek flexibility

The new bylaw also includes cars and light trucks and allows for exemptions, said Chase.

"Also included in the new draft bylaw is provision to grant exemption to the motorcycle-sponsored events like the toy run, Ride for Dad, and those kinds of things, which are really good for the community," he said.

Hanna wants to see city council be more flexible with the decibel readings.

Chase said that is not necessary. He feels the bylaw strikes a good balance between what the motorcyclists asked for and what the public wants.

But Hanna said public response suggests otherwise.

"They suggested that was an even split. Now when I work that out, that comes to 110 responses are 'opposed,' 68 are 'for.' By my math, that would suggest there is no overwhelming support for this bylaw," he said.

Hanna also complains that the proposed fines are too steep. Violators could pay upwards of $250 and even lose their licence plates.