Portsmouth Police Chief David “Lou” Ferland speaks to reporters about a public/private partnership with Seacoast Harley-Davidson to educate the public about legal motorcycle noise, and enforce state laws for riders who don’t follow the rules.
(Gretyl Macalaster Photo)tp://www.unionleader.com/article/20110523/NEWS/705239983/1001
An unlikely ally helps battle motorcycle noise complaints Gretyl Macalaster Union Leader Correspondent..
Portsmouth Police Chief David “Lou” Ferland speaks to reporters about a public/private partnership with Seacoast Harley-Davidson to educate the public about legal motorcycle noise, and enforce state laws for riders who don’t follow the rules.
Local law enforcement and Seacoast Harley-Davidson have embarked on an education campaign for motorcycle riders and the community to address noise issues.Gretyl Macalaster
HAMPTON — Local law enforcement has partnered with Seacoast Harley-Davidson to address the issue of motorcycle noise as the riding season gets under way.
The Seacoast is a popular place for motorcyclists, but with the motorcycles also come complaints.
“Motorcycle Noise Annoys” is the slogan of an educational campaign being promoted by the Portsmouth, Hampton, North Hampton, Rye and New Castle police departments as well as Seacoast Harley-Davidson.
The goal is to educate both motorcyclists and the public about the laws.
Portsmouth Police Chief David “Lou” Ferland said most motorcyclist follow the law and have exhaust systems that do not exceed the state limit of 106 decibels.
But a small percentage continues to use illegally modified exhaust systems, opting to risk an $84 ticket. During a press conference at Seacoast Harley-Davidson on Friday, law enforcement officials said they would seek to suspend the motorcycle registrations of repeat offenders as further incentive to get motorcyclists to comply with the law.
“As much as motorcyclists have an equal right to visit the area and are welcome to, people who live here or visit have an equal right to enjoy their peace,” Ferland said.
Ferland was joined at the press conference by Hampton Police Chief Jamie Sullivan, North Hampton Police Chief Brian Page, New Castle Police Chief Don White, Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh, New Hampshire State Police Sgt. Stephen Kase and Seacoast Harley-Davidson owner Al Contois.
The dealership helped fund the campaign, including the large posters with the slogan “Motorcycle Noise Annoys” featuring area police chiefs at Seacoast Harley-Davidson and an informational brochure explaining some of the more commonly misunderstood motorcycle laws, with a request that riders be considerate of residents’ concerns.
“We want to educate owners and the public about what legal motorcycle exhaust is,” Ferland said.
He said most motorcycle exhaust systems are compliant with the law, and a lot of the complaints come from a “perception problem.”
Michele Peckham, a North Hampton legislator, said New Hampshire has the highest decibel levels allowed in New England, and as a homeowner on Atlantic Avenue, she is no stranger to the rumblings of motorcycle groups as they pass by.
“I think it is fabulous that Harley-Davidson wants to partner with local police to get people to comply with 106 (decibels), but personally I think that 106 is way too loud,” Peckham said.
She said there has been at least three attempts in Concord to change the state law, but it never makes it out of committee.
Contois said Seacoast Harley-Davidson is excited about the opportunity to partner with local law enforcement on the issue.
“We believe with this partnership we can come up with a solution locally that meets all our needs,” Contois said.
North Hampton Police Chief Brian Page is no stranger to motorcycle noise complaints. A citizens group successfully placed a warrant article on the 2010 ballot creating an ordinance that the decibel level from motorcycles in town cannot exceed 82 decibels. Page said the ordinance is unenforceable because it is overridden by state law.
“It is common knowledge that I refuse to enforce the ordinance,” Page said. “We have to be fair to the citizens, but we have to give motorcycle operators their rights.”
Contois said Seacoast Harley-Davidson does not sell any motorcycles or parts with noise levels over 106 decibels.
“It’s a type of ‘big brother’. If Seacoast Harley-Davidson says it is not cool to do this, it carries some weight,” Ferland said. “They (riders) are hearing it from a different source than law enforcement.”
Local law enforcement and Seacoast Harley-Davidson have embarked on an education campaign for motorcycle riders and the community to address noise issues.Gretyl Macalaster
By Elizabeth Dinan / Portsmouth Herald Saturday, May 21, 2011 -
NORTH HAMPTON — Motorcycle riders who consistently and knowingly exceed the state’s 106-decibel limit will be targeted by police who may seek to suspend their motorcycle registrations, according to a joint announcement by law enforcement and Seacoast Harley-Davidson.
Some of the area’s top law enforcers met Friday at the Lafayette Road Harley dealership to announce a collaboration aimed at better enforcing the state’s decibel limit, educating riders and the public and improving quality of life.
Sending the message with the slogan "Loud Noise Annoys" were New Castle Police Chief Don White, Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh, Portsmouth Chief Lou Ferland, Hampton Chief Jamie Sullivan, Portsmouth Capt. Mike Schwartz, North Hampton Chief Brian Page and State Police Sgt. Stephen Kace. They were hosted by Seacoast Harley-Davidson owner Al Contois, who said he does not sell exhaust pipes that exceed the state decibel limit.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/northeast/view/20110521seacoast_police_to_crack_down_on_excessive_motorcycle_noise/srvc=home&position=recentSeacoast police to crack down on excessive motorcycle noise
By Elizabeth Dinan / Portsmouth Herald Saturday, May 21, 2011 -
NORTH HAMPTON — Motorcycle riders who consistently and knowingly exceed the state’s 106-decibel limit will be targeted by police who may seek to suspend their motorcycle registrations, according to a joint announcement by law enforcement and Seacoast Harley-Davidson.
Some of the area’s top law enforcers met Friday at the Lafayette Road Harley dealership to announce a collaboration aimed at better enforcing the state’s decibel limit, educating riders and the public and improving quality of life.
Sending the message with the slogan "Loud Noise Annoys" were New Castle Police Chief Don White, Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh, Portsmouth Chief Lou Ferland, Hampton Chief Jamie Sullivan, Portsmouth Capt. Mike Schwartz, North Hampton Chief Brian Page and State Police Sgt. Stephen Kace. They were hosted by Seacoast Harley-Davidson owner Al Contois, who said he does not sell exhaust pipes that exceed the state decibel limit.
