There is one environmental pollutant negatively affecting our daily lives here in Malibu that we can mitigate with little or no additional expense-vehicle noise pollution, in particular motorcycle noise pollution. Anyone who has visited our beaches and parks along PCH, or has tried to relax at one of our outdoor coffee houses and restaurants, has experienced the deafening roar akin to the Blue Angels making a low pass at an air show of those mufflers-less motorcycles. On the weekends in particular, there seems to be hundreds and hundreds of these riders whose desire to have their “bikes” sound like powerful racing machines have modified them without regard for those who desire to carry on a normal conversation or just listen to the peacefulness of nature.
A recent column one article in the Los Angeles Times emphasized the damage such vehicle noise does to our health and well-being. Some states are currently passing stricter vehicle noise laws as a result of these findings. California law already prohibits such vehicle noise and has for many years; the problem is there is little or no enforcement. The Sheriff said it is difficult because you need a decibel meter. I say buy one, it will more than pay for itself in citation revenue.
I am asking the City Council to instruct the Sheriff to start enforcing these laws. I would suggest that we post a sign at the entrances to our city to warn motorists that Malibu strictly enforces California motor vehicles codes regarding excessive noise. I would suggest that initially one or two weekends per month the Sheriff set up a roadside check point (on a Sunday) where they could monitor the decibels of these vehicles. It would not take long before word would get out to bypass Malibu if you have one of these modified exhaust systems or risk an expensive citation.
Those who support my request can sign a petition I have posted on my Web server. By simply logging on to www.pepperdine.edu/reo/petition/petition.asp they can post their name, address and phone number and I will forward the completed petition on to the City Council.
Dennis Torres