Editor:
Re: Valid reason for loud motorcycle exhausts, letter to the editor, July 4
Motorcyclist Scott Greene is confused: loud motorcycle exhausts have existed since motorcycles were invented, which was long before Prius cars, invehicle entertainment systems, cell phones and other modern distractions were invented.
However, he is quite correct that drivers are often "blind" to motorcycles but he fails to follow this time-worn observation to its logical end: drivers are often blind to motor bikes because they are much smaller than other vehicles, and because motorcyclists too often camouflage themselves in dark outfits, thereby making themselves and their 'cycles doubly hard to notice.
Besides, loud noise coming from a tail pipe isn't visible, it's merely another noise, among many, that drivers must tune out so they don't distract themselves trying to discern one noise from another.
Loud exhaust pipes cannot make motorcyclists more visible; they never have. The ear hears a cacophony out there, but the eye sees what's to be seen.
Greene and his fellow bikers could make themselves sights to be noticed by painting their 'cycles in bright fluorescent colours and by wearing bright fluorescent clothes.
The driver's ear has to ignore or dismiss many noises, but his eye is quick to perceive bright colours.
A bright fluorescent colour should be assigned officially to bikers and their machines.
Greg J. Edwards
