‘Keep it down riding through town’ ... or else
Bikers have six months to police themselves
Staff reports

CAREFREE – When it comes to the pulse‑pounding roar of  “iron ponies,” Carefree will hold motorcycle riders responsible for cruising quietly.

And if those bikers fail to do so within six months, they can expect to be slapped with hefty fines.

Some motorcyclists, in response, say they’ll spend their time and money elsewhere rather than contend with the new noise rule and a pending crackdown. The rumble of a motorcycle engine isn’t noise pollution–it’s part of the biker culture, they contend.

“Carefree welcomes you, but keep it down,” says Nadia Petrossi, spokeswoman for the town’s Noise Enforcement Advisory Committee. “The message is: Keep it down riding through town.”

The recent issue has been the din of motorcycles as bikers ride through town and neighboring Cave Creek. The area is a Mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts and clubs who enjoy poker runs, charity rides or  just cruising along the Desert Foothills’ winding roads. Some residents, however, have complained that the noise is becoming a nuisance.

Petrossi points out bikers have six months–starting now–to police themselves, making certain their motorcycles do not exceed the town’s 85‑decibel sound restriction. If they fail to hold themselves accountable after that time frame, Carefree will begin a crackdown–leveling fines of up to $220 for the first offense and as high as $750 on the third offense.

“This is pretty hardball ... this is what we don’t want it to come down to. We’re trying to avoid that,” she said.                       

Petrossi notes the town plans to launch an outreach effort to communicate this message to motorcycling enthusiasts.

Riders who spoke to The Desert Advocate say they don’t support such a crackdown.

According to Dan Grannan, of Prescott, he’ll just avoid Carefree. He stated that he visits the area about 10 times a year.

“Most Harley drivers like to individualize their cycles–they like the sound,” Grannan said, adding that the noise generated by a motorcycle helps insure a rider’s safety. “It let’s people know you’re coming.”

A group of Canadian motorcyclists touring Arizona related that many provinces in their country have noise laws but those laws are seldom enforced.

With regard to Carefree’s rules, Canadian biker Peter Girouard claimed he’ll just ride around it. “Maybe that’s what they want–to have riders just avoid the town,” he said.

J.P. Lacroix, also a member of the Canadian group, thinks Carefree should make an exception for motorcycles. “Noise is just part of the whole culture,” he said.

Reporter Barry Cohen contributed to this story.