by Jim Martin

Erie Times-News

July 19, 2012

Not everyone is thrilled that Erie is about to host Roar on the Shore, the annual motorcycle rally.

Noise Free America yesterday announced that Erie had won this month’s Noisy Dozen Award for sponsoring the massive motorcycle event from July 19 to July 21.

The organization, a nonprofit devoted to noise reduction, said in its release that Erie earned the honor because “This three-day noisefest is a celebration of anti-social behavior and lawlessness. Instead of protecting peace and quiet, Erie officials have succumbed to the love of money.”

Larry Deal, a member of Noise Free America, stated, “What baffles me is why the city of Erie would want this sort of noisemaking event in its jurisdiction. The least it could do is use the opportunity to do some motorcycle noise enforcement while those 80,000 roaring bikes are in their midst. I’m sure there will be plenty of illegally-equipped and loud motorcycles in that horde. It would make a good police training exercise, as I’m sure they could use the practice.”