Editor:
Perhaps White Rock’s motto, “Our city by the sea,” should be amended to something along the lines of “Our city by the sea welcomes speeding and excessively noisy cars and motorcycles.”
Of course, this welcome mat would need the caveat that the invitation only extends 5:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following day and is confined to Marine Drive, as the good residents do need some time to sleep.
Seriously, the speeding and noise is getting completely out of hand. It starts at about 5 a.m. with cars and motorcycles eastbound along Marine Drive apparently in a hurry to get to work. The majority are travelling in excess of 50 mph and, God forbid, if one is going too slow, a revved-up, backfiring motorcycle will pass with the rider paying no attention to noise and safety factors.
After the morning ‘rush’ hour, things are calmer – with the exception of heavy trucks driving at what seems maximum speed to get to and from work sites.
It is not that long ago one of our seniors was killed on Marine Drive, apparently by a truck.
During the afternoon, the bikes appear for the ‘strut my stuff’ ride, speeding with noisy straight pipes and no regard for anyone else. Invariably, these bikes can be seen parked at or near pubs and other licensed premises.
After the supper hour, the fun really starts. The motorcycles travel in packs and there seems to be a competition who can make the most noise. Souped-up cars with the same ‘look at me’ attitude love to plague our streets – the fumes thrown in at no extra charge to enhance one’s walk or meal on a patio.
After an evening of festivities, these model citizens head home to wherever at greater speeds and louder noise than when they entered town. Finally, some peace after 2 a.m.
It would be unfair to point fingers at all drivers. Most obey the speed limit and do not cause excessive noise.
To increase traffic calming and curb those who want to ‘show-off’ their vicariously obtained power, I would recommend our authorities enforce the municipal noise bylaw and the provisions of the provincial Motor Vehicle Act. Council should also consider rumble strips.
If all else fails, perhaps our city fathers should consider having the sheriff meet these people at our city limits and have them check their cars, trucks and bikes before coming into town. Just like the Old West.
Whatever, it must impressed on these types that they are not welcome in “our city by the sea”.
Jim Saunders, White Rock