Noise issues continue in Riverside County
We got a call this morning from four-time AMA Motocross/Supercross
Champion Jeff Emig, a resident of Riverside County in California and a
concerned enthusiast. Fro was worried about the following article he
spotted in the Press-Enterprise newspaper by Kimberly Trone
about how sound issues continue to cloud the use of off-road and
motocross motorcycles in the county.
“The Riverside County Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously
endorsed two companion proposals aimed at muffling noise from off-road
vehicles and limiting the hours and locations they can operate,” said
the paper. “The five-member commission’s recommendations are expected
to go to the county board of supervisors for consideration in late
January.
“They come more than a year after planners began exploring ways to
address resident’s complaints about dust and noise caused by
motorcycles and other off-road vehicles. Under the recommended noise
ordinance, lawn mowers to motorcycles and backyard bands would be
required to operate at fewer than 65 decibels or less between 7 a.m.
and 10 p.m. Sixty-five decibels is equivalent to normal-to-loud
conversation. Restrictions on nighttime noise would be greater. The
ordinance would affect the unincorporated county areas.
“A second ordinance endorsed by the commission would limit riding
periods to between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on private parcels of two acres or
more, with a minimum buffer of 50 feet for off-vehicle operations.
Those parcels must additionally be zoned for off-road use.”
The Press-Enterprise article continues discussing the problems
with enforcing these laws if they are passed. It’s difficult for
officers to chase off-roaders into hundred-acre riding areas in a
cruiser. Private land owners that ride on their property will be most
affected if this proposal is passed. Two such land owners, Jeremy
McGrath and Mark Prescott, are trying to reason with the planning
commission. Prescott has already spent over $15,000 in attorneys’ fees
fighting for the right to ride on his land.
Stay tuned for more on this ongoing sound saga.
