OFF THE WIRE
NEW YORK:
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100802/VIEWPOINTS03/8020304/1120/Motorcycle-noise-has-nothing-to-do-with-safety Motorcycle noise has nothing to do with safety August 2, 2010, 12:00 am
If noisy motorcycles reduce the chance of car-motorcycle collisions and prevent rider injury and death, as stated in a letter to the editor July 14, would removing mufflers from cars prevent getting hit and killed by a semi? I doubt it.
Things that do increase motorcycle safety include: wearing bright clothing, a full helmet and face shield; riding only in the daytime with the headlight on and feet parallel to the road, installing a safety bar and driving defensively (continuously scan, anticipate the worst and plan an escape route).
How many of these things do riders of noisy motorcycles do? In my experience (25,000 miles of riding/former instructor), none.
So, to those of you who ride quiet motorcycles, drive cars or endure the noise in your homes, don't buy the myth that the purpose of noisy motorcycles is safety.
jerry guercio
owego
