Against loud motorcycles

At a meeting of the noise protection officer of the state government and municipal representatives, the starting signal for a joint initiative of the state and municipalities against motorcycle noise was given. At the invitation of the noise protection officer, Thomas Marwein, and Sonja Schuchter, mayor of Sasbachwalden, representatives from 30 noise-stricken municipalities met in Stuttgart. The aim of the nationwide initiative is to give more weight to motorcycle noise in public and to approach policy makers in the Confederation and the European Union with one voice.

A joint catalogue of demands to reduce motorcycle noise is to be prepared by spring 2020 with the support of the Ministry of Transport.

Starting points from the point of view of the municipalities are:

Quiet motorcycles by manufacturers
Amendment of the licensing and authorisation rules
More drastic penalties for manipulation
New procedures for measurement procedures and approvals
Noise measurements to support police control
Definition of noise limits
Front license plates for motorcycles
General holder liability

Motorcycle noise challenges municipalities, especially on scenic and winding routes. And Baden-Württemberg has plenty to offer: Swabian Alb, Black Forest, Löwensteiner Berge, Odenwald and Bergstraße are considered noise hotspots. But also spas, historic and modern towns and municipalities in the country attract motorcyclists. Accordingly, municipalities from all parts of the country are taking part in the initiative.

The possibilities for controlling motorcycle noise are currently low for municipalities and the country – it is therefore important to expand the scope for action. Possible starting points for noticeable improvements in motorcycle noise would be, for example, changes in the registration rules for motorcycles through quieter design and adjustments to the Road Traffic Code in the form of speed limits or traffic bans at neuralgic points and periods, such as sundays and public holidays in recreational areas. However, the responsibilities for such changes lie neither with the municipalities nor with the State, but with the federal government and at European level.
Substantial noise and noise development potential
Motorcycles have a considerable noise and noise development potential due to their design.