NEW HAMPSHIRE: Let's fix pervasive 'culture of noise'

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/275135/lets-fix-pervasive-culture-of-noise?CSAuthResp=1314101162%3Aa3nv86muj3labj148qpvi35m60%3ACSUserId%7CCSGroupId%3Aapproved%3A19D3DF0B4F810796951B747B925D488B&CSUserId=94&CSGroupId=1
Let's fix pervasive 'culture of noise'
 
David Hickey, Rye For the Monitor August 23, 2011

Eileen Sleeper's letter, "On motorcycles, enforce current law" (Monitor, Aug. 18), misses the true issue of excessive motorcycle noise.
Our group, New Hampshire Citizens Against Loud Motorcycles, aims to reduce the obnoxious noise of modified bikes. The current legal level of 106 decibels is too loud. To put 106 decibels into perspective, a power mower at 3 inches is 107dB, a power saw at 3 feet is 110dB.
All motorcycles that are manufactured or imported into the United States must comply with the EPA limit of 82dB. Each bike is tested before sale to ensure it meets that specification and carries an EPA label as proof. Harley Davidson estimates that at least 60 percent of its motorcycles are altered to enhance muffler noise. The "culture of noise" is now pervasive. This issue is not about the so-called 10 percent of riders.
The large majority of police chiefs I spoke with agree that current state laws are unenforceable. They are asking for a law to simplify their role. Rep. Michele Peckham's bill will do that. Her straightforward approach will eliminate the unenforceable current laws and create a simple, enforceable approach - thus less law, not more.
As for the economic impact, a recent Pennsylvania study showed that loud groups of visiting bikers hurt local economies (Gettysburg), except for bar, restaurant and liquor sales, rather than helped. How about showcasing New Hampshire as the quiet state to visit to attract tourist dollars.
There is not one legitimate argument to justify the alteration of motorcycle muffler systems. The sole purpose of these modifications is to create more noise; the right to make excessive noise ends with the public's right for peace and quiet.