SILENCERS ON MOTORCYCLES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24908, 22 June 1946, Page 4

SILENCERS ON MOTORCYCLES

CONCERN AT STATEMENT BY TRAFFIC OFFICER

The committee of the Pioneer Motor Club has expressed concern at a statement made by an officer of the Traffic Department of the Christchurch City Council at a recent sitting of the Magistrate’s Court with reference to noisy motor-cycles. The officer had stated that while it might be necessary for competitors to remove the silencers from their machines for a rape, motorcyclists should not ride their machines in the city without the usual precautions against unnecessary noise. “According to these statements certain members have been observed riding their machines on the road in stripped condition,” the statement from the Pioneer Motor Club reads. “On all club runs if a competitor does not comply with the rules of the road, particularly with regard to silence, he is liable to immediate disqualification. To ride in these events, stripping to a certain degree is carried out on the course, and parts replaced before returning. It can be aopreciated that at times this is beyond our jurisdiction, but wherever possible Is strictly apSlied. A speed event has not been eld for two months.

“Events of late included the New Zealand reliability championship, and a high standard of riding is required to negotiate watercourses, mud. and other hazards under strict observation In these events competitors run between points under time trial with a low speed limit, and it is compulsory to carry both licences and warrants of fitness.

“The services rendered by the Pioneer Motor Club to the road safety campaign drew warm praise, both from the Traffic Denartment and the Main Highways Board, and all events held are skilfully created so as to cultivate courteous road riding. “In conclusion, it is the policy of the club to promote sporting competitions suitable for owners of .standard machines. to make events as educative as possible (motor-cycle competitors are generally distinguishable on the road for their good manners and experienced riding), and to protect the interests of motor-cyclists generally,” the statement ends.