ALTON - A motorcycle rights and safety promotion group plans to pay for signs to "quiet" motorcycles in Alton, as city officials begin the process to strengthen the city's anti-noise ordinance.
"We are going to be leaders in this," said Alton Mayor Tom Hoechst, who campaigned on quieting down motorcycles traveling on city streets and loud car stereos.
At Monday night's meeting of the aldermanic Committee of the Whole, Carleen Grant, state public relations coordinator for ABATE of Illinois (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education), said the organization will pay for materials for more than 100 new motorcycle noise warning signs.
Two of the signs were displayed at the meeting, both white with black lettering and an image of a person riding a motorcycle with three, right-side parentheses behind it to indicate noise. The smaller sign reads, "When in Town, Keep it Down," and will be posted on city streets where motorcyclists frequent and in bars that cater to motorcyclists.
The larger sign reads, "Welcome to Alton, When in Town, Keep it Down," with the motorcycle silhouette and the words "Please ride respectfully" underneath. Those signs will go up on existing posts at entrances to the city.
Grant said a businessman's donation to ABATE will pay for the materials. The Alton Public Works Department will print and put up the signs after the new chapter to the noise ordinance goes into effect in coming months.
Last year, representatives from ABATE of Illinois and Missouri, 14 motorcycle clubs and three motorcycle dealers met with Alton Police Chief David Hayes to find ways to communicate the need to keep the sound down in Alton.
Since then, Grant and Bob Myers of Jerseyville, southwest region coordinator for ABATE of Illinois, had follow-up meetings with Hayes and Alton Corporation Counselor Jim Schrempf regarding the proposed noise abatement ordinance.
"This is an example of how a great working relationship can be," Grant said. "Two sides coming together with questions and concerns, devising solutions to overcome a concern and then implementing a plan of action. There has been a great line of open communication between motorcyclists and Alton City Hall during this process. Everyone met in the middle of the road."
Myers said the ordinance and reminder signs would not be a cure-all for the noise problem.
"Hopefully, it will alleviate the problem," he said. "A legal motorcycle coming down the road can have a little noise, but with 10 of them, the noise escalates."
Hayes said the process of getting a resolution and working on the warning signs took four months. The proposed addition to the city's noise abatement ordinance also applies to boom boxes, radios, televisions, musical instruments and amplified sirens, horns, whistles, bells or chimes - except churches and charitable contribution solicitors.
Regarding noise from sound amplification in vehicles, or noisy cars, trucks or motorcycles, the ordinance prohibits disturbing "the peace, quiet and comfort of passers-by or is plainly audible at a distance of 75 feet," unless it is an emergency vehicle.
The ordinance also says mufflers or exhaust systems must be maintained properly to prevent noise, and cannot be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.
People also would be prohibited from yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing in residential or noise-sensitive areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., "or at any time or place so as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities." Such noise from someone's bird or other animal also is prohibited; loudly loading or unloading merchandise, materials or equipment would be banned between 10 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The ordinance prohibits "unreasonably loud or raucous noise or any noise that unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons or ordinary sensitivity" within city limits.
Factors for determining whether a sound is unreasonably loud include "proximity of the sound to sleeping facilities, whether residential or commercial; land use, nature and zoning of the area from which the sound emanates and the area where it is received or perceived; time of day or night; duration of sound; whether the sound is recurrent, intermittent or constant; and whether the sound is necessary in order to conduct lawful activity."
Among the exemptions are sounds from utility structure repairs that pose a danger, alarm systems, outdoor school and playground activities and other outdoor events.
Grant said she plans to initiate a "media blitz" regarding the forthcoming ordinance, particularly to reach motorcyclists not affiliated with any club.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NOT GOOD NEWS
Harley Davidson 2010 Sportster
Harley-Davidson says first-quarter sales were down, but not as sharply as they had been in the prior three quarters. The Milwaukee-based maker of the top-selling bike brand in the U.S. said worldwide retail sales of new motorcycles dropped 18.2% for the company, versus the quarter last year.
Not surprisingly, given the U.S. economy's demolition job on sales of discretionary goods over the past year, Harley-Davidson's largest declines last quarter were in the U.S., where retail sales of its motorcycles dropped 24.3% versus the same quarter last year. Beyond U.S. borders, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles declined 2.8% versus the year-ago quarter, largely because of a 9.8% drop in Asia-Pacific and 7.8% drop in Latin American sales.
The company, however, says that result is better than in each of the four prior quarters, in which H-D posted international decline percentages in the double digits. All told, Harley sold 18.2% fewer motorcycles in the first quarter than in the quarter last year, shipping 53,674 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, versus 74,670 motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009.
Meanwhile, revenue from parts and accessories dropped 12.1% to $149.1 million, and revenue from the brand's all-important merchandise division, which includes things like Harley's MotorClothes apparel, was down 11.9% to $66.3 million.
Still, the company is relatively bullish, partly because the second quarter -- when the weather warms up -- is when sales ignite, or so the company hopes.
"We are encouraged by our progress in the first quarter...we are seeing directional improvement in our dealers' retail motorcycle sales as we enter the key selling season," said President and CEO Keith Wandell in a statement.
Wandell, who became president about a year ago, said the company's business-growth strategy is focused on global growth through market and demographic outreach, commitment to core customers, "and developing motorcycles that inspire and fulfill dreams."
The company earlier this year launched a new retro derivative of the Sportster bike, called Forty-Eight -- a Brando-esque job with a peanut tank, tractor seat and fat wheels -- designed to appeal to younger, urban consumers for around town.
Harley-Davidson says first-quarter sales were down, but not as sharply as they had been in the prior three quarters. The Milwaukee-based maker of the top-selling bike brand in the U.S. said worldwide retail sales of new motorcycles dropped 18.2% for the company, versus the quarter last year.
Not surprisingly, given the U.S. economy's demolition job on sales of discretionary goods over the past year, Harley-Davidson's largest declines last quarter were in the U.S., where retail sales of its motorcycles dropped 24.3% versus the same quarter last year. Beyond U.S. borders, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles declined 2.8% versus the year-ago quarter, largely because of a 9.8% drop in Asia-Pacific and 7.8% drop in Latin American sales.
The company, however, says that result is better than in each of the four prior quarters, in which H-D posted international decline percentages in the double digits. All told, Harley sold 18.2% fewer motorcycles in the first quarter than in the quarter last year, shipping 53,674 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, versus 74,670 motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009.
Meanwhile, revenue from parts and accessories dropped 12.1% to $149.1 million, and revenue from the brand's all-important merchandise division, which includes things like Harley's MotorClothes apparel, was down 11.9% to $66.3 million.
Still, the company is relatively bullish, partly because the second quarter -- when the weather warms up -- is when sales ignite, or so the company hopes.
"We are encouraged by our progress in the first quarter...we are seeing directional improvement in our dealers' retail motorcycle sales as we enter the key selling season," said President and CEO Keith Wandell in a statement.
Wandell, who became president about a year ago, said the company's business-growth strategy is focused on global growth through market and demographic outreach, commitment to core customers, "and developing motorcycles that inspire and fulfill dreams."
The company earlier this year launched a new retro derivative of the Sportster bike, called Forty-Eight -- a Brando-esque job with a peanut tank, tractor seat and fat wheels -- designed to appeal to younger, urban consumers for around town.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Jesse James scandal and its effect on the motorcycle world
Monday, 05 April 2010 | Written by Asia | Print | E-mail
Claiming to be a broken man, celebrity motorcycle builder Jesse James is running the gamut of public opinion with the popular press publishing one expose after another.
Seemingly throwing out a mea culpa the bad boy biker checked himself into the Sierra Tucson facility for rehabilitation where he sought help to "deal with personal issues," according to the New York Post. This came after further revelations over his alleged steamy affair with tattoo model Michelle McGee which involved a single sexual encounter of numerous proportions.
While James reportedly left rehab, or stormed out according to the gossip publications, after Bullock supposedly refused to take his phone call the celebrity motorcycle enthusiast is left facing not only the music but a vandalism charge.
He was cited for vandalism after an incident with a paparazzo who claimed James damaged his car March 25, 2010. Celebrity photographer Ulises Rios was also cited for stalking James, Long Beach Police Sgt. Dina Zapalski said. A citation is equivalent to an arrest, but it will be at the city prosecutors' discretion to press charges, Zapalski said.
Finally, a picture of James has made it’s media rounds of the former Celebrity Apprentice wear a World War 2 Nazi cap in a ‘Hitler-type’ salute.
To help balance the media’s reporting, allegedly his staff and some followers on the West Coast Choppers forums were discussing ride to show support.
The question at this point for the motorcycle loving world is firstly, how much of this situation is reflecting on bikers and how far should the riding community go to show support for a man that represented the industry for so many years?
In a recent Clutch and Chrome survey, half the respondents felt the media should leave James alone while the other half had empathy for his wife, Sandra Bullock.
How has the Jesse James scandal affected everyday riders? Have you noticed a change in people’s attitudes towards you when you go out on your motorcycle?
We would like to know.
Monday, 05 April 2010 | Written by Asia | Print | E-mail
Claiming to be a broken man, celebrity motorcycle builder Jesse James is running the gamut of public opinion with the popular press publishing one expose after another.
Seemingly throwing out a mea culpa the bad boy biker checked himself into the Sierra Tucson facility for rehabilitation where he sought help to "deal with personal issues," according to the New York Post. This came after further revelations over his alleged steamy affair with tattoo model Michelle McGee which involved a single sexual encounter of numerous proportions.
While James reportedly left rehab, or stormed out according to the gossip publications, after Bullock supposedly refused to take his phone call the celebrity motorcycle enthusiast is left facing not only the music but a vandalism charge.
He was cited for vandalism after an incident with a paparazzo who claimed James damaged his car March 25, 2010. Celebrity photographer Ulises Rios was also cited for stalking James, Long Beach Police Sgt. Dina Zapalski said. A citation is equivalent to an arrest, but it will be at the city prosecutors' discretion to press charges, Zapalski said.
Finally, a picture of James has made it’s media rounds of the former Celebrity Apprentice wear a World War 2 Nazi cap in a ‘Hitler-type’ salute.
To help balance the media’s reporting, allegedly his staff and some followers on the West Coast Choppers forums were discussing ride to show support.
The question at this point for the motorcycle loving world is firstly, how much of this situation is reflecting on bikers and how far should the riding community go to show support for a man that represented the industry for so many years?
In a recent Clutch and Chrome survey, half the respondents felt the media should leave James alone while the other half had empathy for his wife, Sandra Bullock.
How has the Jesse James scandal affected everyday riders? Have you noticed a change in people’s attitudes towards you when you go out on your motorcycle?
We would like to know.
Wall Street gets motorcycle fever over Harley
Tuesday, 06 April 2010 | Written by Digits | Print | E-mail
HarleyIt was the good news Harley-Davidson could use and the positive outlook some say the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer needed.
The stocks of the legendary motorcycle company experienced their highest surge in over two years thanks to the confidence of a financial analyst.
RBC analyst Edward Aaron increased his share price prediction to $36 from $32 and the rest of the market took notice. Writing a report called “High on the Hog," Aaron forecasts improved motorcycle sales for the Milwaukee Company in coming months.
Harley shares rose $1.78, or 6.2 percent, to $30.16 by midday. They earlier hit $30.68, eclipsing a previous 52-week high of $30 set in December.
Aaron wrote in a research note that overall retail sales should improve in March, and that Harley should benefit from improved pricing on its bikes. He also said Harley may break a string of disappointing earnings when it reports first-quarter results on April 20.
But the RBC analyst isn’t the only one taking note of the famous American motorcycle manufacturer. In a recent article featured on MSN Money it was noted ‘Harley-Davidson says its own inventories and dealer inventories improved in the fourth quarter of last year and that a dealer survey by brokerage Robert W. Baird released in March found that nearly three-fourths of dealers believed inventory was "about right." The company says loan quality is improving because 80% to 85% of loans were considered "prime" last year, compared with 75% in prior years.’
All this attention does put pressure on Harley-Davidson to report improved results on April 20th when it announces its first quarter financial figures. This expectation tops weeks of reports that centered around a possible buy-out, allegedly auctioning off its Buell brand instead of selling to an interested buyer, SEO compensation as well as its board of directors making a list of being among the country's worst.
"While it is tough to get excited about this number in absolute terms, investors should be encouraged by the read-through to March and what it implies for the out-quarters, which benefit from much easier comparisons," Aaron said.
Tuesday, 06 April 2010 | Written by Digits | Print | E-mail
HarleyIt was the good news Harley-Davidson could use and the positive outlook some say the Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer needed.
The stocks of the legendary motorcycle company experienced their highest surge in over two years thanks to the confidence of a financial analyst.
RBC analyst Edward Aaron increased his share price prediction to $36 from $32 and the rest of the market took notice. Writing a report called “High on the Hog," Aaron forecasts improved motorcycle sales for the Milwaukee Company in coming months.
Harley shares rose $1.78, or 6.2 percent, to $30.16 by midday. They earlier hit $30.68, eclipsing a previous 52-week high of $30 set in December.
Aaron wrote in a research note that overall retail sales should improve in March, and that Harley should benefit from improved pricing on its bikes. He also said Harley may break a string of disappointing earnings when it reports first-quarter results on April 20.
But the RBC analyst isn’t the only one taking note of the famous American motorcycle manufacturer. In a recent article featured on MSN Money it was noted ‘Harley-Davidson says its own inventories and dealer inventories improved in the fourth quarter of last year and that a dealer survey by brokerage Robert W. Baird released in March found that nearly three-fourths of dealers believed inventory was "about right." The company says loan quality is improving because 80% to 85% of loans were considered "prime" last year, compared with 75% in prior years.’
All this attention does put pressure on Harley-Davidson to report improved results on April 20th when it announces its first quarter financial figures. This expectation tops weeks of reports that centered around a possible buy-out, allegedly auctioning off its Buell brand instead of selling to an interested buyer, SEO compensation as well as its board of directors making a list of being among the country's worst.
"While it is tough to get excited about this number in absolute terms, investors should be encouraged by the read-through to March and what it implies for the out-quarters, which benefit from much easier comparisons," Aaron said.
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