Noise Bylaws and Boycotts

North Hampton businesses in New Hampshire are extremely concerned that a motorcycle riding club will make good on its threat of a boycott after a MOTORCYCLE NOISE ordinance was passed.

The motorcycle noise ordinance passed by a vote of 512-274. It calls motorcycles "a chief contributor of ... excessive noise" in town and references an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation that requires motorcycle manufacturers to attach a permanent label to their products stating that they meet the EPA's noise emission requirements.

North Hampton's ordinance prohibits in-town operation or parking of any motorcycle that does not have this label. First violations of the ordinance would result in a fine of between $200 and $500, and each subsequent violation would be punishable by a fine of between $500 and $1,000.

What has angered motorcyclists and others about the ordinance is that the maximum decibel level for the EPA sticker is 80 decibels, while the state standard is 106 decibels, making the town's ordinance more restrictive than the state's.(http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100521-NEWS-5210402)

According to the article: Pete Pitman, president of the Manchester Motorcycle Club, is asking his 67 members to boycott North Hampton businesses until this ordinance is repealed and is urging other motorcycle clubs around the state to do the same.

Boycotts - when honored by all can truly make an impact, so perhaps this guy is on to something.

I find it rather interesting that in the US of A these kinds of laws can discriminate in this fashion.

As always, your feed back and input are deeply appreciated.

In other news:

Polaris is moving some of it's business to Mexico - I personally find it shocking that in an economy where American's are struggling that another American manufacturer would move yet more jobs out of the US and still want the American consumer to buy their products.

To me and my way of thinking, that's a pretty short sighted thing to be doing but hey, what do I know. Perhaps Mr. Pitman's idea from the story above has some merit here as well? Just saying...

Highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners are approximately 10 times more likely to repurchase the same helmet brand, compared with owners with lower levels of satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study(SM) released today. Who pays these people to do these studies? Did they really think that if a consumer was not happy with a product that they'd rush out an buy more of the same?

The Durham Diva's has made the news along with the Forbidden Ride in Perth as have sadly several more motorcycle accidents.

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone is blind and can not see you, and ride Proud, not Loud...