Police take measures on noisy bikes

Motorcycles with loud non-standard exhaust systems are driving some Charlottetown residents crazy.

But Charlottetown police are using a new approach to crack down on the offenders.

In previous summers, police used a decibel meter to measure thesound levelof a bike. This year they're using the sound metercombined with a tachometer to measure the noise level at certain engine speeds to help an officer determine if a ticket iswarranted.

If convicted, owners of noisy bikes can face a $100 fine, but police can also act on the spot during a roadside check.

"When we catch somebody [and] we know that it's illegal, police officers have the authority to peel off their inspection sticker. Which means they have to get the vehicle reinspected, which is another $24, and they have to put the other pipes back on. And there is a clause about if we think the person is a repeat offender that we leave it blank and we let the judge decide what the penalty will be," said Cpl. Dave Cheverie with the city police.

Evidence gathered from the decibel meteratmeasured engine speedswill mean more convictions, said Cheverie.

Last weekend, trafficpolice pulled over 17 bikes and laid charges against four people, said Cheverie.

Not all bikes come with a tachometers, which allow police to measure the engine speed.On those bikes, police take a reading from a sparkplug on the bike to determine the engine speed.

Police take a decibel reading at half of the bike engine'sredline,which is the maximum safe rpm.

Workshops have also been held in partnership with businesses that sell motorcycles and parts, to let them know what's legal and what's not. Cheverie also recently used the new equipment to check bikes at a motorcycle gathering as a demonstration.

Riders who continue to roar around the city could create a problem for all motorcyclists, said Cheverie.

The traffic officer said some municipalities have banned bikes in residential areas. And that could happen in Charlottetown if things don't change.