The new law targets illegal motorcyles with loud mufflers.
By: Linda Seida
NEW HOPE Applause erupted when members of Borough Council recently voted to adopt a stricter noise ordinance that will double the fine for offenders to $100.
The tougher ordinance was instituted in response to complaints from residents and merchants alike concerning illegal motorcycles, which are modified to make them sound louder.
The ordinance passed unanimously with no comment from the public or borough officials. Council President Richard Hirschfield was not present for the vote. Councilman Jake Fell also was absent.
Council Vice President Sharyn Keiser thanked the borough’s chief of police, Rick Pasqualini, for his handling of the complaints as well as for his efforts to defuse what could have been a volatile situation with motorcyclists.
"People tried to get things riled up with this noise ordinance," Ms. Keiser said.
She thanked Chief Pasqualini and his officers for their professionalism. The borough recently purchased a new decibel meter and will issue tickets for motorcycles that idle at 86 decibels or higher, according to Chief Pasqualini.
In contrast, a stock Harley-Davidson Sportster was measured at 84 decibels at an idle, he said.
The chief termed the sound from motorcycles modified to be louder as "a big problem last year."
He met with motorcyclists March 7 to discuss the new ordinance.
"They were upset about the whole premise," he said. But he added, "We all want to co-exist."
The illegal motorcycles will be given citations, Chief Pasqualini said, and enforcement will be ongoing.
"They know who they are," he said of motorcycle enthusiasts who aim for a bigger sound with straight pipes.
"We are going to single them out, and we are going to issue citations to them," Chief Pasqualini said.
Additional police officers will be assigned in the spring to monitor the illegal motorcycles, he added.