Truth And Ignorance Update
Thursday, October 25th, 2018
I’d guess the pipes on this custom bike are not quiet.
After I put up that latest Examiner Resurrection piece I got to wondering if these anti-noise groups have perhaps gotten their facts a bit more in line since that was published in 2010. So I’ve been perusing their websites to see.
First I visited the NoiseOFF site. Recall that back then this group was accusing the various motorcycle rights organizations (MROs) of lobbying “to defeat motorcycle noise legislation.”
So has NoiseOFF gotten their facts a bit more in line? Read this:
Some riders join motorcycle rights organizations (MROs) that lobby against motorcycle noise legislation. These organizations include the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In many cities and states, there are groups that call itself ABATE.
Also:
The AMA compromises (compromises? I think they mean comprises>) over 300,000 members and more than 1,200 chartered clubs, with corporate representation from the motorcycle industry. Through sponsored events and organized campaigns, they mobilize their membership to lobby to defeat motorcycle noise legislation.
So no, NoiseOFF still has their FactsOFF.
Also of note, their web page also contained this:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzes and reports on motorcycle accident data statistics and acts as a clearinghouse on motorcycle safety.
In their 2007 published report, ‘Fatal Two-Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes’ (DOT HS 810 834), motorcyclists were found to be overwhelmingly responsible for causing accidents with passenger vehicles. In nearly three-fourths of the two-vehicle motorcycle crashes involving passenger vehicles, the role of the motorcycle was recorded as the striking vehicle. Additionally, factors including alcohol impairment, invalid license, and speeding were more attributed to motorcycle riders.
Wow. I think they misread the stats. Other studies have shown that it is predominantly the car driver who is at fault. Yes, the bike may strike the car, but that is almost always because the car turned in front of the bike. I’m all in favor of keeping noise under control but these people need to get their facts straight.
What about Noise Free America? Back in 2010 they were saying that “In reality, the Sturgis event is probably the largest concentration ever of lawbreakers. And Mike Rounds, the governor of South Dakota, gave aid and comfort to this massive lawbreaking.”
Frankly, they’re probably right about that. While I don’t find this statement on their site anymore, they do present a much more factual look at the nature of motorcycle noise and enforcement efforts. They look at what the legislation is, how enforcement is generally ineffective, and at what might be done to address that ineffectiveness. Mostly they call for enforcement of existing laws.
I agree. That’s what I said in 2010. But don’t just focus on motorcycles. As I said then, “If noise of any kind is a problem, pass laws that limit the noise regardless of the source. And then enforce those laws.”
I guess nothing has changed in the interim.
Biker Quote for Today
Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go to Sturgis.
