‘Conceived as safety precaution, motorcycles’ loud exhaust systems becoming public nuisance’

AMMAN — The lack of a motorcycle-friendly culture in Amman prompts some motorcyclists to use loud exhaust systems instead of horns for safety purposes, according to a field expert.

The Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan advises motorcyclists to use “loud” horns for warning purposes instead of exhausts that make loud noises when pressing the fuel pedal, the club’s general manager, Omar Zarour, told The Jordan Times.

Installing a device in the exhaust system to generate loud noise is against regulations, according to Public Security Department (PSD) Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi, who noted that the traffic department penalises violating motorcyclists.

Zarour said that motorists sometimes do not see the motorcycles and tend to “annoy” drivers by getting too close or racing them “intentionally or unintentionally”.

“Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in accidents,” he said, adding that bikers are advised at all times to wear helmets and protective armour in addition to reflective vests at night.

The motorcyclist noted that scooters and motorcycles are treated by the Traffic Law like all other vehicles, noting that sport motorcycles are not allowed in Jordan.

Any individual over 18 carrying a first category driving license can apply to the Jordan Traffic Institute to register a motorcycle or a scooter, Zarour said.

He added that the club is licensed from the PSD to train drivers, following the standards of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and issue certifications that allow them to undergo the driving test.

There are over 3,000 registered drivers of motorcycles with engines above 250cc, Zarour said, adding that information on the number of registered scooter drivers in not available.

Sartawi said there are around 3,000 motorcycles in Jordan.

Hassan Amoudi, who lives on a main street in Amman’s Jabal Hussein neighbourhood, said motorcycle noises get “very loud” sometimes.

He added that authorities should further monitor these “violations” as well as loud car horns, as they are a source of pollution.

Muna Darwazeh, a resident of the Abdoun neighbourhood, said it gets “annoying” when groups of bikers gather close to her house to start a group ride.
“But I understand motorcyclists’ need for loud warning tools while driving to get noticed by cars,” she told The Jordan Times over the phone.