|
California is definitely a state that is pushing the boundaries when it comes to pollution control and promoting “green” ways of life. These are all well and good concepts but when I read that the California Senate passed Bill #435 with a 21-16 voting majority it gave me pause. That Bill would make it a requirement that “all motorcycles manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013 must have a label affixed onto the motorcycle or exhaust emission system indicating that the motorcycle or exhaust emission system meets all noise emissions standards.”
How in the world did we get to this point where a bill may be become law (it still needs Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature or he can choose to use his veto power) that is so targeted towards motorcyclists? Blame can be spread equally around from the riders who put straight pipes on their Harley Davidson’s to the sport bike riders who gut their catalytic converters, remove the OEM exhaust systems and replace them with off-road use only versions. If the law passes then both of these modifications will now garner you fines anywhere from $50 for a first conviction to a maximum of $250 for a second or subsequent conviction.
Harsh? Maybe, maybe not but the trend to curtail loud pipes and toxic emissions is growing as New York State also tried to pass a bill mandating EPA stickers on all motorcycle exhaust systems. Only after community advocates for the rights of motorcyclists lobbied their law makers was the bill defeated. From coast to coast and in between it seems motorcyclists are squarely in the sights of politicians. I won’t even mention what’s brewing with off-road usage regarding ATV’s and dirt bikes.
Playing Devil’s advocate for a second (as I always like to do) maybe bikers who have exhaust systems in excess of 100dba’s deserve to be ticketed and have a fine levied against them? I mean, who wants to be awakened at 3am when your neighbor comes home from a night out on the town with their loud bike spewing noxious chemicals into the atmosphere? I know I wouldn’t and I’m sure it’s a safe bet to say that you wouldn’t either.
That said, I find these types of targeted laws disturbing. Where does the line get drawn between benefiting one person’s viewpoint and infringing upon another person’s rights because they have a different perspective? Once a precedence is set it’s extremely hard (although not impossible) to argue against it. Unfortunately those that scream the loudest are most often heard and therefore their agenda is at the forefront of governmental action.
What is also troubling is that in a land where we supposedly have enormous freedom more and more laws are being passed effectively curtailing our so called freedoms; “…with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…” Those words, written on July 4, 1776, are just as true today in theory but seem to be in jeopardy lately when trying to apply them in practice.
So where does that leave us? Obviously we cannot be a lawless society and some laws are justifiable. However, promoting Bills to law to further a personal agenda is reckless and irresponsible. We as motorcyclists will always be in the minority which is why voicing our opinions on Bills like 435 is crucial. Taking the cues from our forefathers, when a government becomes oppressive or destructive it is our right, no, duty to alter said government in such a way that the foundation is based upon liberty and justice for all and not just the few.
Trackback(0)
 |
.jpg&contenttype=jpeg "MC Superstore Tire Sale!")
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed