Kelowna

Local off-road motorcycle riders have begun policing their own in an effort to curb noise complaints.

The first test came last weekend when the BC Off Road Motorcycle Association (BCORMA) issued mandatory sound testing at an organized race in the Bear Lake Road area.

The guidelines stipulate that the bikes can't exceed 96 decibels -- a power mower produces 105.

"Ninety-six decibels is the recognized acceptable level that is achievable," says BCORMA Executive Director, Terry Burke. "While it's not quiet, it's a level that doesn't cause an annoyance."

Burke says he tested approximately 200 bikes last weekend and most passed, but some didn't.

"The owners of the bikes that didn't pass were receptive to the fact their bikes were annoyingly loud and that they should do something about it. They don't want to be singled out as part of the problem."

Burke says the loudest bike registered 107 decibels.

He says the bikes that repeatedly fail will no longer be welcomed back to the Bear Creek area unless changes are made.

"The consequences of failing on the first attempt are nil. We don't want to scare people from having their bikes tested, so we've decided on a three strikes and you're out policy."

Burke says bikes that fail a third time will not be able to race at organized events in the Bear Creek area.

He says BCORMA will also be implementing mandatory spark arrestors on all bikes starting next year.

Link: BCORMA