BELFAST, Maine — The low rumble of a few motorcycles that could be heard in downtown Belfast on Friday was music to the ears of many downtown merchants, who are worried that a proposed biker boycott of the city could have a detrimental effect on business.
“I do not want them banned,” said Neal Parent, proprietor of the Parent Gallery at the corner of High and Main streets.
That succinct sentiment was echoed by many others around town, although not all, as Belfast residents wrestled with the controversy about noisy motorcycles that began in force after City Councilor Roger Lee asked last week at a regular meeting if the bikes could be banned from some downtown streets.
His comment was made after the council heard complaints from several residents who said they believe some motorcycle noise is distressingly loud in town, and asked if the council could do something about it. Although Lee’s question was dropped, and the council voted only to place about a half-dozen signs around town that exhort motorcyclists to “please drive quietly,” for many riders, the damage was done.
A Facebook page inviting thousands of people to join in a summerlong business boycott buzzed with comments, many of which seemed to highlight the frustration many riders feel about Belfast and even the whole state of Maine.
“How about ‘WELCOME TO MAINE, AND BE QUIET WHILE HERE,’” one woman wrote. “Let’s just put a ban on everything; autos, trucks, boats, parties, kids having fun, animals, motorcycles, family reunions with the laughing/music, Fourth of July fireworks … see where I’m going with this?”
Tina DelSanto, who co-owns three downtown eateries, said she has been trying to bring a commonsense approach to the discussion. She pulled out a “Bikers Wanted” poster she had made four years ago for one of her restaurants.
“How can people think we don’t want them?” she asked. “I think their feelings are hurt. But it is a country where you can ask a question. The question was taken wrongly.”
She said that at times, 30 bikes will be parked outside her Front Street Pub. After the riders stop for lunch, they will walk around Belfast and shop. But in the last few days, she hasn’t seen as many motorcycles cruising by. That might be due to the rainy weather — but she worries that it might be the boycott.
“How can you organize something against your friends and neighbors, when you could just speak up at the council meeting?” she asked.
According to the Facebook page for the biker boycott, many riders intend to do just that. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, and people such as DelSanto anticipate there will be a crowd.
The boycott is a big topic of conversation around town, according to the restaurateur.
“It’s bringing up old, unresolved issues,” DelSanto said.
Those issues include the hot-button debate over whether or not Belfast should allow big box stores such as Walmart to come to town.
That might be a question that is hard to put to rest, but the motorcycle dilemma shouldn’t be, according to merchants such as Josh Ard of Permanent Expressions tattoo parlor.
“Everyone’s pretty up in arms about it, but I don’t even know why it’s an issue,” he said, adding that he’s not bothered by motorcycle noise downtown. “I’d love to see a rally happen here. I’d love to see 400 motorcycles in downtown Belfast.”
On Friday afternoon, one motorcycle — a shiny Honda Goldwing — was being ridden by two travelers from Michigan.
Bob and Teresa Coffman of Wayland, Mich., said they were spending two and a half weeks traveling to the Maine coast and back again. They stopped in Belfast for a snack and were walking around the shops. Altogether, the couple estimated that they had spend about $4,000 on their vacation.
“We like touring through all the small towns,” Bob Coffman said.
When told of the motorcycle controversy, the couple said the cross-country riders they meet tend to be the opposite of outlaws.
“What they don’t realize is that motorcyclists nowadays are middle-aged doctors and lawyers on vacation,” Teresa Coffman said. “They’ve got money to spend. Do you want them to spend money here, or somewhere else?”
One man shopping in downtown Belfast who did not share his name made a comment that others have been echoing. He registered surprise that motorcyclists would be so sensitive to a single comment.
“It’s not in the spirit of Hell’s Angels,” the shopper said.
The Coffman’s motorcycle is probably very quiet. Some motorcycles are very loud. Are there state noise laws or a Belfast noise ordinance? Are they enforced equitably? Does a high school student driving a car that’s loud because there’s a hole in the muffler get pulled over while a louder motorcycle get a pass?
yes, no, n/a, yes…..and that’s the problem. Bikes ought to have stock pipes. That wing in the above picture purrs like a kitten, the guy doesn’t have little man syndrome.
Most people that come to Belfast with there bikes,spend money..were’s the problem..??..400 bikes..lets make that 4,000 bikes and see Mr.Lee throw them out of DOWN TOWN Belfast..maybe he needs to get a bike..he may understand what a good sounding bike is..!!
So bikers should be able to do whatever they want because they spend money? Nowhere did I read anyone including Mr. Lee saying anything about THROWING THE BIKERS OUT OF DOWNTOWN rumor mongling much? Must have been spending time at Bowen’s — seems like this is where this LIE and EMBELLISHMENT of a simple statement that went no where got started. Good job, feel good about throwing youself out of downtown because no one else has. Bunch of freaken babies on bikes if you ask me. I don’t care about people riding there bikes wherever they want but what a crock of crap going on with this boycott. Bowen’s and the crew there are wanting to drum up business for themselves so how better to do it then fan a flame of lies to keep the bikers out of town in the form of a boycott — guess where they’ll be going — you got it — BOWEN’S where the rumor started — NICE!!!
I can tell you this much. I dont own a bike, i own a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have Many Many friends that do charity rides on their bikes all summer long. I wont spend a plug nickel in Belfast…you can guarantee that and i know that I am NOT alone.
Yeah for you — you can take your plug nickels wherever you want! We all have the same option…but to do so because of a simple utterance from a city counsel member that didn’t go anywhere is ignorant…enjoy your shopping elsewhere — I do, I do all my shopping out of town because there aren’t any big box stores in town. We all have our reasons I just chose not to cry in public over it.
Awesome…we don’t want.,,,or NEED people like you…Belfast is so alive and full of good, nice people…so glad idiots like you stay away….enjoy yourself…ELSEWHERE…..
I hope that is what it comes to, spending our money elsewhere.
If one group leaves another group comes in…just the circle of life. No town should be held hostage to one group of people no matter how “loud” they are.
Fossil fuel powered anythings shant besmirch this idyllic pot smoking grunge progressive liberal Camden wannabe. The last thing Belfast needs is commerce from all those 2-wheeled malodorous hooligans. Oh the horror. I mean just look at that couple from Michigan. They look like they’re about ready to rob a bank or do burnouts on the sidewalks at 2am. We don’t need the likes of them, no sir.
you are missing the point. cars have to have mufflers and if they are over a certain decibel level you can be pulled over. bikes are WAY louder than ANY car i have ever seen on the road. its not about them being ruffians or them doing damage all the people were concerned about is NOISE. bikes are noisy why can’t bikers understand that loud bikes are EVEN LOUDER in a downtown area when the sound reverberates off the stone buildings. show some consideration for someone other than yourself
Not missing the point, just throwing some humor at Belfasts’s absurdity. For example, the bike pictured is a Honda Goldwing & makes less noise than a Prius. A ban on bikes is ludicrous. Cops could ticket those who lack good judgement – problem solved.
Sorry. But you’ll have to show me where you found the information that the Honda Goldwing is quieter than a Prius.
I truly do not believe you want to go where that comment was pulled out of.
The photo shows a Goldwing as if is representative of recreational bikes. When’s the last time anyone saw a Golwing with straight pipes?
A Goldwing is so quiet it’s scary
I look at loud bikes this way, “I might not see them but I can hear them so I know they are nearby and not run over anyone.” These days with the loud music systems in cars, people have their ears stuffed with head phones, texting, talking on phones and plain ole not paying attention I think it’s good to have loud bikes.
Live within a 30 mile radius of an airport, now thats noise, nothing like having helicopters flying over your house.
AGREED I ride a loud bike and if I annoy you to the point that you are paying attention to me instead of trying to talk or text on a cell phone, eat your Mcdonalds, put on makeup or try to tend to a misbehaving child in the back seat then I have accomplished my mission of staying alive for one more ride. I have actually been able to hear some kids “bazillion watt” stereo over my exhaust as he was following me. I CAN and DO keep my bike down to a low rumble while cruising through towns but always to my astonishment there is someone who will look me right in the eye while pulling out in front of me or ride on my back wheel because they believe they need to get there before anyone else. As to boycotting Belfast Merchants why??? because one Butt Kissing, I want to keep my political stance ignoramus asked a question at a city council meeting?? Just show up and try to keep him from another term by voting against him next elections. It was probably some shopper who made the comment in the first place. (no actual statistical fact in that last statement just saying)
LoudnProud, if we followed your reasoning for riding an illegally loud, obnoxiously loud motorcycle on public roadways, I should be allowed to affix an actuator to the horn of my pick-up and drive with the horn activated continuously. After all, it would make me safer, yes? I discovered many years ago that your type of self-righteousness, a behavior trait that is prevalent in the criminal element/mindset, cannot be reasoned with. Your hedonistic personality type is consumed with selfishness; therefore, you must be forced into compliance. Though you are a prime example of today’s amoral society and politically correct agenda, I truly do wish you would just go away… permanently. Just follow the light.
Rick Holtsclaw
HPD/Retired
YOU SIR LEAD THE WAY!!! I will be right behind you ;}
Life flight isn’t quiet. You can hear that for miles.
Did you ever listen to some of the customized pickup trucks on the road? Sound louder than the big rigs rumbling down I-95. Why some bikers and truck owners feel the need to announce their arrival a few minutes before arriving and then “rev” it up once there is a mystery to mankind. I would call them all selfish ignorant idiots but my son is one of them so I will just call them selfish ignorant idiots, sorry son but I have said this to your face more than once.
I prefer to think of it as “little man complex”. And by little, I’m not referring to their height.
Flagged
Was that a “large” flag… or “shriveled”?
What’s it called when a woman has a loud bike? (And they do)
same thing
Agreed
Semi trucks make way more noise!!
I think you are the one who is louder than any american I know of, or are you american?
And they are NOISY so you don’t hit them as they are riding !!!
Its common sense!! The fools that come down on the throttle late at night on a residential street or business area are the problem and ruin it for the rest of us bikers. I can keep my pipes quit when I need to so can you! Common sense should tell you when you need to pipe down! If the fools keep it up, we will have more restrictions coming our way. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE.
”
I can keep my pipes quit when I need to”
how about “I can keep my pipes quiet, because i don’t modify them to be loud”
I did not modify my pipes but they can be loud, that was a good try though.
This whole thing is a tempest in a teapot. It’s been blown completely out of proportion. Most of the bikes are not a problem. Yeah, there are a few with loud, obnoxious after-market pipes that can rattle the teeth in your head. Is there going to be a ‘crack-down’ by the police? No. Is anyone going to be stupid enough to actually try banning motorcycles from the downtown area? No. Everybody just un-bunch your panties and calm down.
Now that was intelligent! Not.
And your comment was? Not!
LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES!!!!!!
Oh really! Well If it is a safety issue than we all should have loud pipes. I know i would feel safer in my auto with straight pipes. I would just have to crank her up a bit at the intersections like the bikers do.
Loud pipes saves lives, what a joke…….How about you guys stick a helmet on your head if you want to save lives. Loud Harleys sound like a old John Deere tractor without a muffler.
Your gizmo is not working, too loud methinks.
Go light up your lantern. What are you anti-spider man?
that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. They ruin hearing and make cyclists look like little kids, even if they have a do-rag and skull and cross bones.
If safety is what drives people to have “loud pipes,” why don’t they start by wearing helmets? Those who drive the loudest motorcycles are in my observation also the least likely to wear a helmet.
LOL… you’re right!
Yeah.Wow,that ‘do-rag and skull’ thing,sure does scare me!
Maybe if you weren’t around loud pipes so much, you wouldn’t have to type in all caps :/
Loud pipes startle drivers and make them more likely to make a mistake.
Maybe I should drive around with my horn blasting all the time. It is stock and emits about 100 Db. Straight pipe modified exhaust must be at least that.
Wish you would, big brother would love that.
there is not evidence to support your false claim.
and no, they do not “save lives”
they cause accidents.
If you’re driving down the road, and suddenly you hear sirens going off, but don’t know where they are, you’re going to take your eyes off the road to locate the source of the sirens.
same thing with motorcycles with loud exhausts.
that’s why we see harley motorcycles in accidents more than mopeds or quiet rice rockets.
get a grip
Another nice try, you are completely wrong! Look it up and get your facts!!! Rice rockets are involved in many more accidents. Get a grip!
Been riding for over 40 years. One thing I have learned:
LOUD PIPES LOSE RIGHTS!!
Loud bikers must be compensating for something?
Yup. Compensating for something very, very small.
Yeah we’re compensating for the fact that everyone is so busy and distracted while driving today that we are often overlooked in a line of traffic and the first words heard is usually “I didn’t SEE him/her coming” we’re just adding another ..call it if you will “Safety feature” :)
They’ll also say I didn’t hear them either.
The only purpose loud pipes accomplish is maybe making the rider feel like a real biker, or “Look at me!”. Everyone else, including the real bikers are saying : “What a jerk!”
OMG…poor bikers someone said PLEASE BE QUIET and they are not going to go back. How dare anyone speak a word about bikers — they’ll take their toys (and money) and go to another town. I never knew bikers were so wimpy…Maybe the Police Department needs to just enforce the laws that are already set — they certainly stop cars and trucks if there mufflers are too loud. Should anyone owning a car or truck boycott the downtown area too. I guess its just the bikers that feel the (already in place ordinances) don’t pertain to them.
Did you see any signs as you head into town asking Cars, Rv’s, or anything OTHER than Motorcycles to be QUIET??…Nope ya didnt, so i beliee they have every right to feel singled out. Maybe you should go get a bike and see how it feels to constantly be ridiculed just because you like riding a motorcycle.
OMG — How dare a town ask for a motor vehicle to ride responsibly and to not ramp up the noise while in the middle of town. I seem to have recently seen signs saying NO SKATEBOARDING OR ROLLERBLADES in the downtown area wonder where all the crying children are about this rule…oh thats right there more mature than the boycotting bikers — no one ever said motocyles weren’t going to be allowed in the downtown area — rumors runners gathering at the OUT OF TOWN bar Bowen’s decided to help out business in that area and run with something that was nothing!
I haven’t seen these signs — however I also now that the police will pull over a car, Rv or any OTHER vehicle for a loud exhaust — but NOT a bike! Wonder why…
95% of the time, if you hear an obnoxiously loud vehicle, it’s a bike. The other 5% it’s an engine brake from a semi.
My town has a sign saying “please don’t use engine brakes”…wish we had one for bikes.
How about a sign saying “please don’t listen to hopheads”
People “constantly ridiculed just because you are riding a motorcycle”?Really?I sorta got the impression that it was just the really loud bikes that were being targeted.
Nothing wrong with quit motorcycles. I can’t see how anyone can think one of those noise-makers is an efficient, well-running machine. They sound like total garbage. If I had a machine that sounded like one of them I would fix it.
OK Johnny, little bit of a stretch there..
If we are lucky some local will run for council, and end Rogers political career here in Belfast.
A problem was brought to the counsel in regards to excessive noise by a tax paying citizen. Sounds like Lee was brainstorming outloud in regard to the possibility of closing down some streets to bikers — this went NO WHERE — except to Bowen’s where it was blown way out of the water and lies began…then a boycott was born. I dont like Lee but in this case he was doing what any counsel member should and that is to listen to its citizens (ALL OF THEM) bikers don’t get a free pass because they spend money in town…how would bikers had liked it if the PD just started stopping those that ramped up the noise in the downtown area — cars would be stopped if they did it — and you can bet if a teenage boy was riding around town with a loud muffler he’d be stopped in a minute.
Please help bring back the Belfast of old, and we will not become some Camden , Bar Harbor tourist haven, with a city council that could care less for the locals.
I was born and raised in Belfast, Maine — I am one of the locals and I am happy that the city counsel listens to all citizens. That being said I also am glad that a discussion was had and no action taken on this matter. I do believe that if need be then laws already in place for all excessive noise be enforced. We don’t need anymore rules and laws. I just can’t believe how it went from a simple discussion to a boycott by whinning bikers who feel no one has a right to breath their name. Bowen’s is loving life about right now…misinformed little followers are all sitting at their bar because they have them all convinced that Belfast hates bikers. What a laugh the whole thing is. When I see a biker now I just chuckle!
First, I ride (did a hundred miles on my bike today). Second, the biker boycott folks are a bunch of whinning cry babies. Get over yourselves!!!!
This is all very simple economics. There are a lot of day ride destinations I and any of my riding brethren can choose to go to any given day here in Maine. Whether our bikes are compliant or not if you get enough stupid comments coming from people of a given town, we just won’t go there. There are lots of choices. The law actually allows a bike to produce 92dba at idle. Thats it. 92 db is fairly loud, once the throttle is cracked hard, it can get real loud. Point is, some of these bikes people are up in arms about may actually be legal. I do agree it doesn’t take may people in a day to make a noisy day of thing, so courtesy goes a long way. Insults, and accusations from people on this board and from Belfast doesn’t help anything The small man syndrome has nothing to do with it. If someone wants to start a stereotype contest, I’m game.
I’ve ridden Harleys with modified pipes and they’re quiet to ride, it’s everybody downwind that’s gotta cringe, cover their ears. As the South Park episode, it’s all about attention, heck I looked around to see if people could see me too on the Harleys, human nature.
They should change that law: 92dba is way too loud.
Its actually a new law that was passed by the legislature in 2011. It along with new inspection sticker display requirements went into effect this year.
It was LD477 which enacted SAE J2825 stationary sound standards. Ironically the state police are not getting involved with forcing any inspection stations to purchase the sound testing equipment. So it’s a half baked law at this point.
There is no pre-charge operational law that allows your bike’s direct exhaust emission SPL to an numerical decibel threshold of 92 dB(A)/J2825 @ idle. Stating modified bikes can legally make 92 is a lie. Lt Scott commander of the traffic division will have Maine’s Police Chiefs enforce current “Muffler Required” and “Amplification Prohibited” laws without quantitative sound measurements. Therefore the standard SPL is created by the manufacturer’s close design, not by any pre-recommended static pass/fail numeric decibel reading. For 92 dB(A) to excuse your noise-emission operation is ONLY after being charged and named a defendant. Never before. The specific parameters of SAE’s J2825 static sound measurement procedures are for a motorcycle not being operated. Let me say this again. A static sound measurement is for a sitting motorcycle, not an operated one. How can a fair traffic court judge be satisfied with sitting sound measurement data to overturn a summons written specifically for a vehicle in violation of “Operating” with the prohibitions in subsection (3) Amplification Prohibited? The 6b exception law, says a court must be satisfied to overturn either (1) Muffler Required or (3) Amplification Prohibited , which are codes for vehicles in operation – moving or with hard acceleration, with data from a certified inspection station. The SAE J2825 Committee Chair testified that the idle component’s purpose to the sound measurement procedure was only for roadside enforcement efforts to quickly and surely identify straight pipe users obviously not being in compliance to the current (1) Amplification Prohibited like laws. When the SPL is near 92 a swept rpm or set rpm method is used, and for most custom pipes (i.e. early model Screaming Eagle pipes) the numerical decibel value will fail the bike. The 92 dB(A) or 94 dB(A)- for a standard vehicle, pass/fail level is NOT TO BE USED AS A MAINE STANDARD. Our traffic code judges will surely be made aware of these facts.
I figured an ardent supporter of MeCALM would be lurking in the background on the Belfast situation. You are correct on your statement, but I’m here to tell you, unless you get an ignorant biker doing ignorant things behind the throttle in a noise sensitive area, it just isn’t a problem for bikers, or non bikers. The bikes aren’t objectionable, and the people aren’t annoyed unless they are looking to pick a fight, and the cops are not ticketing. I go by LEO’s daily and they never bat an eye and my bike to the most casual observer would not pass as stock. Deal is, responsibility on how one drives is the key to not harassing people or LEO’s, and as a biker it seems to work very well that way. We didn’t need MeCALM to help us figure that out.
Belfast certianly use the business,,,a quiet 4 to all
There were a lot of comments in the last article on bikers in belfast, some as immature attention seekers, and some bikers playing the doctor lawyer card in defense. Well… there are different mindsets amongst bikers, like anything else, or any other group. I grew up in a coastal tourist town, and when I had enough, I left.. This was a complant about noise from a resident. Now there is a war between bikers and merchants. Over a hundred comments in the last article, and nothing about the residents. The residents! who cares about them? It’s about us, Its about me, I’m the merchant. Look at me I’m better than you. Oh, you have money coming out the wassu, let me bend over, how high can I jump for you bikers with a buck. Your a tax paying resident of the town?….”get a life.” We own the town, don’t pay any attention to some town official thinking he’s somebody. Residents are pushed way back, on the back burner in a tourist town. As I said, there are different mindsets in all groups, but all-in-all there is no advantage in living in a tourist town unless your a merchant, or think your better than someone else, that is the mind set, like it or not. The last article clearly demonstrated that.
The merchants and the bikers are kicking up a fuss and getting attention. Only a few residents speak up and complain about the loud motorcycles, but most remain silent and inert and just sit there and take the pounding those loud motorcycles are dishing out all over town. If the town residents want to have their concerns about those loud motorcycles heard, and those loud motorcyvles muted, then they should show up at the city council meeting on the July 3rd and speak their mind. The bikers and merchants will be there and won’t be shy to speak their minds in their attempt to influence the city council to leave them alone and maintain the status quo. If you want to change it. Pressure the city council to change it.
every other day motorcyclists are whiniing
about something else in this state.
hop on 95 south,and move it you dont like it
see who misses ya
Thats what I hope happens, bring our money to another town.
Just asking… have you posted anything of a positive nature yet on this topic?
There is already a law on the books regarding how loud any vehicle can be, all it needs is for the police to ENFORCE IT. End of problem. You can’t even get an inspection on a bike with a loud exaust.
Exactly!!!
Any truth to the story councilor Lee is going to introduce legislation to have Belfast’s name changed to North Camden?
ok, that’s taking it too far, hitting below the belt, I give up, straight pipes only in Belfast for these “old men on Harleys” and they are required to twist the throttle when doing Main St hill, just not N. Camden.
I have been riding motorcycles for 40 years now. I could care less what kind of a bike anyone has.BUT those people that have to make all that noise when riding has always irked me to no end. They make a bad name for everyone. Why they can not leave the exhaust the way it comes from the factory makes no earthly sense to me at all. To me it is like being a little kid. Just do it because you know it is wrong.
As a biker myself, I couldn’t agree with you more. The overgrown boys and gals who have to prove themselves with loud exhausts are going to blow it for those of us just wanting to feel the peace and relaxation of the breeze.
Loud bikes are disrespectful. There, I said it and it has a quaint ring to it. I don’t startle you when I drive by your house in my truck…others should be just as courteus. It’s really rather simple, isn’t it?
Truck drivers are disrespectful. There, I said it and it has a quaint ring to it. I am courteous and can spell it properly, It’s really rather simple isn’t it, don’t drive your truck around me.
yes trucks that go by my house are loud there was even a cop at my house an he said the trucks are loud he had to stop talking till the 18 wheeler went by
I’m talking about my GMC Sierra with a stock muffler. I could expand my comment to include passenger cars, but you would again bend my comment to fit your sophmoric drivel.
how loud are your tires ? trucks make a lot of tire noise an quite a few are louder than a motorcycle
I believe that the following statistics are valid but cannot seem to find it in writing: The average Harley riders in this day and age is 70% of riders are age 55 and above and are professionals such as is stated in this article. I for one am a retired professional age 60+ and ride a Harley, I do not make intentional noise, my bike is factory equipped and not noisy. I also signed up for the boycott because I think that it was wrong for the town council to even bring that up without doing some polling.
Do you honestly feel an elected official should even dare to “bring up” a concern from a constituent without “doing some polling”?
How could one “poll” without even “bringing up” a concern in the first place?
Please, oh please… run for some elected office, school committee or even tax appeals committee will do, and then make such a thoughtless statement once more!
The concern was raised. It was discussed. It was put to bed. It’s the small-body-parts crowd that blew it out of proportion.
Oh yeah, and I’m riding my Valkyrie from Ft. Kent to Lewiston with buddies the end of the month, and I’ll certainly “do some polling” since most ride Cruisers as well.
If they are not whining about bikes than they will whine about some thing else
It was brought up in discussion because citizens came to the city counsel with a concern…like a good city counsel they discussed it — would it be better if they disregarded anyone bringing concerns to them except bikers. I’m glad they didn’t inact anything like banning ANYONE from the downtown area but instead tried to appease the citizens by simply suggusted placing signs that were not rude or inconsiderate to anyone. The city counsel has a duty to ALL citizens not just one group so I’m sure much is discussed without conducting a poll on every issue.
Long time biker that hits Belfast all the time w/ common sense and respect when it comes to what I make my pipes do….Couth comes to mind
Belfast merchants …your all fine in my book . We all will be back w/out bothering anyone with anything but our smiles and patience to enjoy the day the way we prefer to.
Everyone chill out and enjoy the summer together…winter is coming !
It seems that most are missing the point. I was at the meeting that sparked this discussion. First Roger Lees comment was tongue in cheek and was not taken seriously by anyone at the meeting. Second the noise complaints were about a small number of cycles that are breaking the law. Yes it is illegal to have modified pipes on bike. Most bikers either have rather quiet bikes. Even some who have modified pipes make an effort to tone down. The complaints at the meeting were not against riders in general but about a minority who are breaking the law.
Really….a councilman asks a legitimate question and it becomes this blown out of proportion by some? Learn how to live together people without a bunch of drama….it’s called communication and respect.
I like seeing the bikers come through Belfast — However, I don’t think that they will make or break the city…if they want to act so childish about a city counsel doing what they are supposed to do (listen to all its citizens) which actually didn’t change a thing then let them go. Typically when one group moves on then another group takes their place. Some of these people seem to think that they are the only ones that spend money in town. Belfast would be a worse place if nothing could be discussed without a particular groups o.k. first.
As usual, people who have no reasonable case resort to sarcasm and ridicule. This isn’t about the likes of anybody. It’s about very noisy vehicles which are made that way on purpose. Motorcycles don’t have to be offensively loud, it’s a choice of the owner to modify them for more noise. No one is anti-motorcycle – many of us are anti-noise.
Its the same old argument for the same reasons…Some own and ride because that is what they love to do…There will always be those that have to do it louder and announced 24-7…Usually they are the younger set…It’s noticed more now because there are so many on the road…I like the sound of my Harley… It does serve a purpose…It does get the attention of those who might not be paying attention…Every week now some motorcyclest is being mamed or killed by a person in a car or truck who,didn’t see them!!!Last week a vehicle pulled a U-Turn right into a motorcycle and that person is critical…I would much rather here those pipes then watch the minions of people texting on the highway now…Rude and lousey drivers running lights and jaming intersections…Most M/C drivers are much better drivers and they watch the road!!!
I find it funny you would post a picture of an older couple standing beside a Honda Goldwing with basically OEM/factory quiet pipes affixed. Who do you think you’re fooling…these folks are NOT representative of the loud thug biker groups that visit your city!
The bottom line here is…the City and “some” merchants of Belfast Maine place more priority on the almighty dollar than the peace, safety, adherence to the law and the Constitutional rights of their tax paying citizens. Nothing more than a simple case of misplaced priorities and greed.
Why not show the real picture, the whole picture, the loud biker thugs and their dangerous, illegal, obnoxious, intrusive aftermarket piped equipped motorcycles using the Belfast streets as their own “in your face” demonstration arena? If Belfast places more emphasis on the dollar than the health and welfare of its citizens, Belfast must reap what it sows. I certainly won’t be visiting there and it is true that “birds of a feather do flock together.” If you pander for the company of thugs then…if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then…Belfast, your “merchants” advocating a desire to maintain business relationships with thug loud bikers should be boycotted by the Belfast citizenry that desire respect and civility in their town. Shame on you Belfast Maine!
Rick Holtsclaw/Houston PD/Retired
I find it funny you would post a picture of an older couple standing beside a Honda Goldwing with basically OEM/factory quiet pipes affixed. Who do you think you’re fooling…these folks are NOT representative of the loud thug biker groups that visit your city!
The bottom line here is…the City and “some” merchants of Belfast Maine place more priority on the almighty dollar than the peace, safety, adherence to the law and the Constitutional rights of their tax paying citizens. Nothing more than a simple case of misplaced priorities and greed.
Why not show the real picture, the whole picture, the loud biker thugs and their dangerous, illegal, obnoxious, intrusive aftermarket piped equipped motorcycles using the Belfast streets as their own “in your face” demonstration arena? If Belfast places more emphasis on the dollar than the health and welfare of its citizens, Belfast must reap what it sows. I certainly won’t be visiting there and it is true that “birds of a feather do flock together.” If you pander for the company of thugs then…if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then…Belfast, your “merchants” advocating a desire to maintain business relationships with thug loud bikers should be boycotted by the Belfast citizenry that desire respect and civility in their town. Shame on you Belfast Maine!
Rick Holtsclaw/Houston PD/Retired
If you suffer from the adverse health effects of excessive motorcycle noise, then Rick Holtsclaw should be closely listened to. His peace officer experience with the issue is historic. But, unlike you, this purposely written, sensational story, about my home town Rick is not extraordinary. Belfast is stricken with nuisance bikes on chamber or commerce days, like any other seacoast rider destination, North Hampton NH, etc… Nothing new here. It’s elected officials are struggling to provide solutions to protect its citizens like anywhere else. Nothing new. The threat to biker catering business’ and revolts to ban the town is nothing new. This issue is extremely complex, and represents a break down of our social fabric troubling city managers. Again nothing new. Many of the members of the local law enforcement team ride loud, Nothing new here. Big talk of enforcement promises, no report of actual summons written, or convictions completed, Nothing new here. Noise Control Advocates get a chance to have their “label law” proposals heard, again nothing new.
What is perhaps new, is how the result of the sensational press coverage of a small town’s trivial process to protect the health of its citizens, catches the attention of hard core bikers to become a choice for a huge protest ride, or worse a location for a national ride-in. Look at what happened to the Boulder Colorado area, and its adjacent neighbor’s effort-Golden Colorado’s “Silence is Golden”, when the Mongol Bike Gang decides to hold its national 3-day meeting in the area. The infuriated towns braced for the trouble, and Boulder had to match one officer to each Mongol attending to avoid the biker clash trouble had in Laughlin Nevada. It is clear to me Belfast may be on the map now. Not as a community struggling to find ways to protect its citizens against excessive traffic noise, but as a future new sensational news story about being picked as the next biker gang national destination. Coincidence all three forces dovetail together? Belfast may be the magic ingredient needed by both struggling news papers and defiant biker gangs seeking social acceptance. This is indeed new.
Relax Belfast, there are no plans for Hells Angels like groups to use Belfast as it pleases, but many disturbed bikers are on the way to protest and demonstrate BDN’s sensational story.
I was just in Belfast and I saw plenty of bikes of all kinds. It seems to me that other than the person who felt slighted enough to put up the facebook page and a few of the people commenting on here, The only people keeping this can of worms stirred up is the BDN.
I am not a thug, I do ride a Harley. Not everyone who drives
a Prius is a tree hugger but there are some. This whole thing is
beginning to spiral way out of control. Yes comments were made and there was a
reaction. As far as people who ride motorcycles “crying”. Like any
normal human group that has been singled out there is a feeling of unfair
treatment. If I were a merchant in Belfast, my first question would be, what
did I do to bring this upon myself, I wasn’t even there? As far as those
who complain about the noise, they are entitled to complain. I suppose that I
would be offended if I had to listen to something that I found to be unpleasent
as well. Lets take a step back before we go to war. As in wars no one
will really win if we dont.
I am not a thug, I do ride a Harley. Not everyone who drives
a Prius is a tree hugger but there are some. This whole thing is
beginning to spiral way out of control. Yes comments were made and there was a
reaction. As far as people who ride motorcycles “crying”. Like any
normal human group that has been singled out there is a feeling of unfair
treatment. If I were a merchant in Belfast, my first question would be, what
did I do to bring this upon myself, I wasn’t even there? As far as those
who complain about the noise, they are entitled to complain. I suppose that I
would be offended if I had to listen to something that I found to be unpleasent
as well. Lets take a step back before we go to war. As in wars no one
will really win if we dont.
Sandman, no one is singling out motorcyclists in particular except those “thugs” that operate bikes fitted with exceptionally loud, illegally loud aftermarket exhaust mechanisms or altered/modified OEM exhausts. I have ridden motorcycles, off and on, for some 40 years. Owned approximately 30 bikes since age 12. Rode professionally, touring, commuting and so on… The loud biker phenomenon has got to stop! It’s out of control and the companies that manufacture exhausts emitting ear splitting noise like Vance and Hines, Python, Bubs, D&D…on and on…these companies must either be MADE to comply with 40 CFR 205 (Federal Regulations) or be put out of business. It’s past time to stop the madness. I am searching desperately for any attorney with the courage and the time to take-on the EPA for malfeasance, the aftermarket exhaust industry and the police departments that are failing to protect my right to enjoy an environment free from dangerous, intrusive, illegal motor vehicle noise. Our police officers are too apathetic and participatory to enforce the laws already in place even though clearly articulated statutes exists that prohibit the behavior of the loud biker thugs. Why are we allowing this psychologically deficient group of needy boys in men’s bodies to assault us and our families daily with their unwanted, dangerous, intrusive noise? I fully support the Label Match-up Program for motorcycle noise enforcement. I believe that noise offenders should initially be fined and subsequent violations met with enhanced penalties up to and including confiscation and incarceration. If Belfast Maine does advocate the behavior of the loud biker thug, I hope the municipality goes bankrupt. And yes, if you ride or drive loud, you are a “thug,” arrogant, selfish and should be punished with a piece of hickory about the head and shoulders. Just saying. Have a nice day.
Rick Holtsclaw
Houston PD/Retired
Rick
I fully agree that statutes are currently in place to handle this issue. There in lies the problem. Enforce them. My bike has factory mufflers on it that have not been modified in anyway. When I received the bike it had “performance mufflers” on it and I replaced them with the factory pieces. I would not be surprised to learn the the Law Enforcement officers who are supposed to uphold the law, have nether the necessary equipment nor the training to enforce the law. I just took a ride up to Belfast sat for a bit in the shade. Oddly enough there were all makes and types of bikes that came and went. It actually seemed like a normal day. No one objected or even hardly noticed me coming or going. The person with the pickup truck with minimal exhaust was looked at but that truck has been that way for 3 months that I know of. Just sayin.
Sandman3
Waldo County Maine
Hello Sandman, if your bike is equipped with the OEM/EPA mufflers understand that I am NOT including you in my discourse relevant to the loud thug biker phenomenon. I appreciate your adherence to decency and respect for others by operating a motorcycle that meets Federal mandates for motorcycle noise emissions. I’ve spent a lot of time on bikes on the the open road. My last big ride was from Katy/Houston Tx to Anchorage Ak. While riding the open road I began noticing the exponential increase in illegally loud/illegally equipped motorcycles, trucks and automobiles. The “thug biker” phenomenon is sweeping the Nation…do these guys think they are the “Sons of Anarchy?” It’s embarrassing to the sport of motorcycling to watch these numb-skulls assault the young and old with their illegal noise, their arrogant behavior and Village People attire. In fact, I have grown so tired of seeing the laughable behavior of these thugs that I’ve given up motorcycling…I don’t even want to be associated, in any manner, with what’s happening to motorcycling these days. I spent the last few years of my police career policing the loud biker thugs in Houston Texas. I found them to be arrogant, possessing a sense of entitlement, liars, bullies…needy little men, middle aged or well past, needy of attention and affirmation. Many of these misfits have an M.D. after their name, or they are lawyers, judges, police officers, other professional individuals…yet they are all arrogant thugs if they willingly violate the rights of others in order to satisfy their hedonistic desires. Somethings gotta give.
Rick Holtsclaw
Houston PD/Retired
I don’t get it. Doesn’t all that loud noise bother the bikers and lead to loss of hearing? It’s the same thing I wonder about people who drive with loud music. How can they stand to be around themselves?
Hello 66, understand that it’s not about the noise per se…it’s about being noticed, affirmed. Those individuals who operate excessively loud motor vehicles on public roadways, in general, are psychologically needy individuals. They did not receive affirmation and proper attention in their youth. Some have a domineering spouse, others have reached or passed middle age and feel a sense of worthlessness in our youthful oriented society. Others are simply hedonistic, self righteous, arrogant, bullish, and are going to do what they want to do…”in your face,” “if it’s too loud…you’re too old!” These societal misfits, though they may be an M.D., lawyer, judge, legislator, police officer, are unable to police themselves; therefore, they must be forced to comply with the Federal mandates relevant to motorcycle noise emissions. The EPA must be sued for malfeasance, as well as the law enforcement entities responsible for protecting us from these irresponsible individuals, individuals that assault us daily with their illegal, intrusive, dangerous noise.
Rick Holtsclaw
Houston PD/Retired
Abigail Curtis needs a quiet visit from her ombudsman. She has violated journalism ethics and standards, specifically the factual reporting principles and the harm limitation section. She has failed to Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Her sensational coverage irked bikers and others for no good reason. There is no ban on bikes in Belfast, or comprehensive plan, or even official talk to consider a ban. Did she bother to remind readers how the AMA has successfully overturned every discriminatory move to ban motorcycle traffic in public ways and motorway parks in the USA, to extinguish all fears? But now her article results in public disgust, biker revolt, and more illegal, unwanted sound energy, adversely affecting the health of Belfast citizens, from modified bike owners who operate purposely without noise controls intact, who wish to prove they have a right to thunder away the peace and quiet. Hundreds of bikers chose Belfast as a Saturday morning destination to over-rev their engines in a show of protest, with more on the way. Nice Abigail, way to go.
Now for the non-sensational truth you aren’t told about. Modified motorcycles with defective noise control equipment are already banned from operating in Belfast and visiting their businesses, and in every other downtown city roadway and small town lane in Maine, and it has nothing to do with decisions from Belfast elected officials. The ban is provided by an official state statute prohibiting operation of motorcycles on any public way that violate the general muffler regulation. “Title 29a 1912- A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified when the result of that modification is the amplification or increase of noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.”
Law enforcement effort to remove or discourage this operation, may order stops, give warnings, summons riders to court, order vehicles to follow an officer to the nearest state inspection station, and even have the vehicle towed, to provide the ban. This official state ban is for these type of motorcycles traveling in front of every home of every person who lives in Maine reading this comment. Where is the outcry about the current ban for these scofflaws from visiting your home or business?
This ban is provide by you the taxpaying reader, who democratically voted in preferred representation to the legislature to enact a law that prohibits these specific vehicles from operation, and you who hires law enforcement officers to act on citizen complaints to protect the public from harm in their sworn duty. If you don’t like this situation, call a ban on yourself.
I wonder if the same people would be complaining if the Rolling Thunder organization came to town to escort a fallen soldier to his rest?
I’m thinking this is a why different thing than a few bikers thinking they have to be the center of attention while riding through a small town. Paying tribute to a fallen soldier is why more important than placating a toddler on a bike.
I read the many comments below and have to chuckle to myself. What a whirlwind around a group of individuals called “Bikers” I have to apologize because I got caught up in someone else’s comment of “Go into the light” this is the very thing I am trying to avoid as a “motorcyclist” I have lost friends and associates, not riding to cause hate and discontent but, merely trying to save some money on fuel and choosing a motorcycle to do this. God rest their soles. This subject like all others will soon fade away the “Fad” will soon be over and a new invention to “Convience” our live’s will be the next touchy subject like cell phones.. hint hint. Let’s all pull up our Big People pants and deal with the annoyances for the few short moments they bother us for and move on.