The city will now impose motorcycle noise limits, which will see loud motorcyclists getting fined if they are caught cruising Edmonton roads at more than 92 decibels.
Edmonton will be the first municipality in Canada to approve a motorcycle noise bylaw. If a bike is louder than 92 decibels the owner will be handed a $250 ticket.
The bylaw was passed Wednesday afternoon after plenty of debate between city councillors. Some said the bylaw itself is discriminatory toward bikers. But those for the amendment said it came down to the number of complaints.
"We have a lot of citizens out there who say it's affecting their quality of life and the fact is you're supposed to have a certain type of muffler, so if you have an illegal muffler you're not supposed to be having that in the first place," said Coun. Kim Krushell.
The old bylaw carried a $115 fine but wasn't as specific, instead it focused on excessive noise that is considered to be a nuisance.
Police will now be able to purchase eight noise-meter kits to begin enforcement on major streets including Jasper Ave. and Whyte Ave.
City Coun. Dave Thiele wanted the word motorcycle changed to motor vehicle so the bylaw doesn't discriminate against bikers, but a police spokesperson says the meters only work on motorcycles, not other vehicles.
The councillor's amendment didn't pass but city council agreed to re-visit the issue of noise limits for all vehicles at a later date.
A public education campaign with information on the new bylaw is also expected in the near future.
With files from Bill Fortier
