Edmonton police say they're encouraged by the number of local motorcyclists taking part in an event that tests which bikes will meet noise standards when a new city bylaw takes effect.
"I'm really impressed with the turnout. I'm really happy," said Acting Sgt. Eric Theurser of the hundreds of riders who wheeled into NAIT's South Campus on Saturday.
"I think this is going to turn out to be very well received."
Of course, there's incentive for bikers take part; as of July 1st riders above the threshold can get slapped with a $250 ticket.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday officers are conducting a free two-pronged test at 7110 Gateway Blvd, with no penalties for those who fail. The first phase records the motorcycle when it's idling, with 92 decibels set as the legal limit. The second phase records the bike between r.p.m benchmarks of 2,000 and 5,000, with 96 decibels set as the maximum allowable volume.
At least one biker who didn't make the grade today says given the two-day amnesty, he's willing to modify his bike to meet city requirements.
"I don't like the law, but at least they're trying to help everybody out," said Ken Foulds.
"I got a couple of screens that I brought with me… just to muffle it up a little bit."
Another rider who was just a few decibels over the legal limit says he's willing to push his luck, hoping officers will target bad behaviour more than bikes that are deemed a bit too loud.
"I think I would probably try and fight it at first because I think it's largely discriminatory," said Joe Holden.
"Even if I am just over that threshold a little, I think it should really come down to an individual : am I being rude with my bike or am I not?"
Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to approve a motorcycle noise bylaw, which passed after considerable debate earlier this month. The old bylaw carried a $115 fine for riders with loud bikes but didn't give a hard target for what counts as excessive noise.
With Files from Bill Fortier
