Watch above: Saskatoon police holding free clinics to ensure motorcycles adhere to new noise bylaw
SASKATOON – Saskatoon Police Service is offering free clinics to motorcyclists to make sure they adhere to the city’s newly-amended noise bylaw.
Officers are checking for excessive noise emissions and letting motorcyclists know how they can bring their bikes up to industry and community standards.
In March, city council approved amendments to the bylaw that enables officers to ticket motorcycle drivers with vehicles louder than 92 decibels.
Bruce George showed up to Friday’s clinic held at Redline Harley Davidson. George has been riding motorcycles for more than 40 years, and now that he’s gearing up for retirement, he dreams of riding a lot more; however, if his bike failed the noise emission test, he said he might have to sell it.
“It’s an old motorcycle, so it’s not worth that much money. So to put a lot of money into it would be a waste,” he explained.
George breathed a sigh of relief after finding out he passed the test.
While the bylaw applies to all vehicles, at this point the proper testing technology only exists for motorcycles.
“Motorcycles’ noise is emitted primarily through the exhaust system, and it’s measurable,” explained Insp. Lorne Constantinoff with Saskatoon Police Service.
“Cars and trucks emit noise from different areas.”
He explained ticketing vehicles that can’t be measured will be up to officers’ discretion, and community members will be able to report the license plates of loud vehicles.
But for now, police say they’re giving motorcyclists some leeway.
“The bylaw is in effect now, but we are offering an amnesty period where no charges are going to be laid. and during this amnesty period, the police service is going to be conducting free testing clinics,” said Constantinoff.
Police have bought two decibel readers, which cost about $1,000 each, and will be holding eight noise testing clinics, which will run until Oct. 5.
Motorcycle riders who exceed the noise limit will start getting tickets next year, which start at $100.
Upcoming motorcycle noise level testing clinics
Aug. 22, 1-3 p.m. – Proline Motorsports
Sept. 12, 1-3 p.m. – MD Ambulance, Warman Road
Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m. – Redline Harley Davidson
Sept. 20, 1-3 p.m. – MD Ambulance, Taylor Street
Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m. – Proline Motorsports
Oct. 5, 3 p.m. – Dairy Queen, 8th Street
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