Council to debate muffling noisy vehicles

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http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100705/CGY_noise_bylaw2_100705/20100706/?hub=CalgaryHome Council to debate muffling noisy vehicles

Motorcyclists in Calgary may soon face limits on the amount of noise they can make on city streets. Updated: Tue Jul. 06 2010 19:03:07

ctvcalgary.ca

Council will debate changes to the city's noise bylaw Monday to crack down on noisy vehicles.

The move follows a law passed last month in Edmonton to crack down on excessively noisy motorcycles.

Police and bylaw officers in that city can fine bikers $250 if they are caught idling their bike over 92 decibels or driving at over 96 decibels.

In Calgary, the city wants to expand existing noise bylaws to cover any vehicle making excessive noise.

Every year, the city receives numerous complaints from people about noisy vehicles in their neighbourhood.

The problem is particularly noticeable during the summertime in the Beltline along the popular 17 Avenue S.W. strip.

Businesses and residents in that area have been complaining to the city about the noise for years.

Many motorcyclists argue they need to have loud vehicles to improve their safety on Calgary streets.

But the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council, which represents all the major motorcycle manufactures in Canada, says there is no scientific evidence to support that claim.

Officials with the MMIC say motorcycles are equipped with horns and the decibel limits were developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers.