FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

News Release
Contact: Matt Dingman
(480) 220-8096
matthewdingman@cox.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Motorcycle Symbol to be Removed from Signs Out of Respect for Motorcyclists

CAREFREE, Ariz. (December 14, 2006) – Out of a mutual respect for the motorcycling community, the Town of Carefree, has announced that it is removing the motorcycle symbol from street signs recently erected as part of a voluntary noise reduction campaign. The signs show an 80 decibel noise limit with the image of a motorcyclist, which some motorcyclists believe singles out motorcycles as the only source of noise. While motorcycles are cited as the number one noise complaint in the area, the town has agreed to remove the icon to keep the campaign focused on voluntary noise reduction, which is reported already effective.

“It is clear that the riders visiting our community have made an effort to reduce the noise and are showing respect for our quality of life,” says Mayor Ed Morgan. We have felt from the beginning that our noise reduction idea would succeed if we all worked together with the motorcycling community and it is heartening to see this beginning to happen.

Carefree announced a voluntary noise reduction program at an event at Harold’s Corral in Cave Creek on December 2nd. Carefree is leading the way in voluntary regulation of excessive motorcycle noise. “Riders are encouraged to be aware of the sound from their pipes, high RPM’s and over-reviving in residential areas” states Lloyd Meyer, Chairman of the Noise Enforcement Advisory Committee (NEAC).

The response to Carefree’s voluntary noise reduction program has been largely positive, and is a unique approach to an increasing problem, which has caught national attention. Right now Carefree is not enforcing its 2002 noise ordinance, but is asking riders to voluntarily keep the noise down. The effort is a 100% voluntary program and will run for a trial period of six months. Removing the motorcycle symbol and decibel limit from the signs also removes potential obstacles to getting to the real issue, which is mutual respect between motorcyclists and the residents of the communities they visit.

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Responsible Riding Tips
The easiest way to keep exhaust noise levels down is to use fewer RPMs.

1. Keep engine speed in city limits between 2500 and 3000 RPMs

2. Limit engine speed by ‘short shifting,’ a technique used to provide quick acceleration through up-shifting to the next higher gear earlier than usual. The bike will still accelerate rapidly but with less noise. Racers use this technique to provide quicker acceleration.

3. Preserve the freedom ride. Keep excessive revving to a limit in residential areas and ease back on the throttle while idling.

4. Avoid hassles and keep it real. Stick with manufacturer’s stock pipes or ensure aftermarket pipes are street legal and meet the 80 decibel Federal EPA requirement.