OFF THE WIRE
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/264458/3/Grafton-welcomes-all-motorcycles-but-considers-law-to-minimize-excessive-noise-
Grafton welcomes all motorcycles, but considers law to minimize excessive noise..
By Kathleen Berger
Grafton, IL (KSDK) - The City of Grafton brought back the roar of motorcycles, but a proposed law may have some bikers turning around.
Biker business in Grafton is back full throttle, after years of bikers not feeling welcomed. But the city is looking into a new law that might have some bikers wondering if they'll get a ticket for visiting.
A scenic getaway known to bikers, the River Road in Illinois. Bikers ride into Grafton now, but there was a time when few bothered, including Tom Luther.
"They were targeted. They had trailers set up on the side for the road to tow bikes," Luther said.
Word of road blocks spread. Grafton's reputation for not wanting bikers took time to turnaround. Bikers boycotted the city, hurting businesses. Then Grafton got a new mayor who wanted bikers back. He would meet with officers of various biker groups to earn their trust and their business.
"We're not talking about what I probably grew up with as remembering Hell's Angels. That's not the case anymore. It's a form of recreation as popular as boating," said Mayor Tom Thompson.
Businesses like The Loading Dock are happy to see bikers return. Sales are up 20 percent.
"I have never had an incident with a biker. Never. And this is a bar," said Ben Allen, owner of The Loading Dock.
But with flourishing activity on the streets and in the taverns, comes noise. Mayor Thompson is proposing a new law that could make bikers feel uneasy: a noise ordinance.
But Thompson says the city wants the roar of the bikes, it just needs a tool to minimize unruly behavior. Bikers with loud pipes would only get pulled over if they're reckless or pulling stunts. He says no one would be stopped for respectfully rolling through town.
"We're just going to be somewhat reasonable in our approach," said Thompson.
Now that Luther's coming back to Grafton, he says if the mayor stays true to that promise, he's okay with it, as long as the city is okay with him.
"Guys put loud pipers on their bikes, so they can be heard, and not get run over by someone who can't hear in their car," said Luther.
Mayor Thompson will introduce the first draft of the noise ordinance to city council during its next meeting on Tuesday.
