My partner and I recently spent five days in Gettysburg, our first visit, which we much enjoyed. However, one painful memory is of the excessive motorcycle ‘cruising’ back and forth, up and down the streets, around and around the traffic circle in the main square, and on many of the roads we traveled all throughout the day, day and night. Although we also observed some custom cars also vying for maximum attention, it was the groups of motorcyclists competing to make the loudest, most obnoxious sounds that really stood out and greatly disturbed our sightseeing and sleep, diminishing our enjoyment. We even asked a number of shopkeepers and guides, and they all smiled knowingly, as apparently this is standard and has been going on for a long time, unchecked.
What no one could answer is why this is allowed? Surely, there must be noise and nuisance ordinances. For a guide to have to continuously stop past 9 pm during the week to wait for motorcyclists to pass just so they can be heard is quite absurd and should be unnecessary. I realize that Gettysburg is a relatively safe city, so shouldn’t there be some resources that can be applied to this problem?
Stephen Kraus
Clayton, NC
Bravo for bringing attention to this scourge. We live in the country on what is called the scenic valley tour and even 5-6 miles out of town they rev their engines without mufflers at all hours of the night disturbing our sleep even in the quiet countryside.
I agree! We need a noise ordinance. As a biker I cannot understand the thrill of riding in busy populated and commercial areas. Revving your engine to show off your sweet muffler isn’t cool and definitely not considerate of others.
Gettysburg is a hub for roads that lead North, South, East and West. Motorcyclists from all areas pass through here going everywhere. I am a motorcyclist who lives in Gettysburg and yes there are a few bikes that are louder than others. But, for the most part motorcyclists are respectful of the noise they make. What concerns me more, and should everyone else, is the, every Saturday protests by the Democrats on the Gettysburg circle. Every area in Gettysburg is “Hallowed” ground. Men and women fought and died there over 3 days in America’s largest battle. Yet, these people have… Read more »