Editor:
In Response to the article “Aspen set to approve motorcycle noise campaign” (April 25): Located in Glenwood Springs, Aspen Valley Harley-Davidson is the local Harley-Davidson dealership for all of the Roaring Fork Valley.
For more than 10 years, we’ve considered ourselves a good corporate citizen of the region, and, as such, we’ve communicated to our customers and visitors the need to be respectful of the local community to ensure our good relationship remains intact. One way in which we’ve done that is by communicating the need to “Throttle Down in Town” — not just in Aspen, but in many local riding communities. We do this through communication materials at our dealership, discussions at HOG meetings, even signage that asks riders leaving our parking lot to “Please Respect Your Neighborhood and Ours.”
The Aspen Valley motorcycle community is a relatively tight-knit group of riders who live, work and pay taxes in the region. We ride because of our love for the sport, not in an attempt to draw attention by making excess noise. Throughout the motorcycle community it is widely known that the 80/20 rule applies, whereby 80 percent of the problem is caused by 20 percent of the people. It is the “loud minority” of motorcyclists who are responsible for excess motorcycle noise. Therefore, to cast a blanket of blame over the majority seems unfair.
Aspen Valley depends heavily on the funds generated by the area’s booming tourism industry. During warm weather months, many of our tourists arrive on motorcycles. Should Operation Quiet Aspen come to fruition, Aspen could feel the effects of this campaign on its businesses. The majority of these riders are well-educated, well-paid, and very much willing to spend their dollars in our community.
Operation Quiet Aspen represents a vocal minority aimed at essentially closing the city to motorcycle tourism. Noise reduction campaigns with negative messages will not only foster an unwelcome community atmosphere, but will also make motorcycle enthusiasts feel altogether profiled. Noise reduction campaigns can, and should be, conducted to not only educate riders, but at the same time make the law-abiding riders feel as though their tourism dollars are welcome and their presence appreciated.
Rather, there is a benefit to working together with the motorcycle community to encourage all riders to be respectful of our area. Doing so with a considerate tone and in partnership could go a long way to impacting the situation positively. I am doing my part, and am currently working to expand an educational awareness program regarding this issue.
Steven Scott
General manager
Aspen Valley Harley-Davidson
Glenwood Springs
