While I appreciate what you're saying, my point about lost business in Caledon or whatever town chooses to make war on the motorcycle, however small it may be is real. I suspect other towns that may be considering such a bylaw could be hurt financially to a greater degree that the Township of Caledon. I also suspect that a large number of the people that pushed for this law are both retired and not active (or ever) motorcycle riders. There motivations were mostly selfish. I also think categorizing most of the guys who visit Caledon as "nuisances" is certainly a large generalization if not serious exaggeration. As a mid-forties sport bike and adventure bike rider I don't think I'm a nuisance and I used to spend money in Caledon. But no more.
BTW, I wasn't stating that "I'll do whatever I want." turbo attempted to shoehorn me into a collective. I'm not comfortable with that as I have free will. My riding reflects my personality and while I realize that some guys that ride motorcycles do it in a manner that could be seen as a nuisance, I don't fit this category and will continue to protect my individual rights in this regard. If I am pulled over and detained or harassed because some cop has categorized me as a threat because I ride a sport bike, I will protect my right to ride the bike I choose as the law gives me the right to do so.
I just won't do it in Caledon.
I think that you've both misread and mis-characterized my comments, to which you responded. I made no comment indicating that I think most riders are nuisances. Quite the opposite, actually, if you take the time to re-read my post. The
perception may be that we're all nuisances, which would be incorrect, but it
is the perception that matters in such cases.
Of course their motivations are selfish. NIMBY, by definition, is selfish. That doesn't mean such people aren't entitled to having a reasonably quiet life on their rural,
residential roads either. In such cases, as I indicated, the few ruin things for the many. A few selfish people, riders, behave in a stupid manner and have us all painted with a broad brush. Again, as I said, like it or not you're lumped into a larger group by those who are being effected. That isn't turbodish's doing; it's simple human nature. Unless you've got a banner on your bike that states "I'M NOT ONE OF THEM!", you'll be considered 'part of the collective.' Free will is immaterial, because you're not able to voluntarily remove yourself. As a result you must act to alter the behaviour of others, who also possess free will, in order to alter perception of non-riders.
As to the financial issue, it's up for grabs. How many people don't go to an area, because they're intimidated (rightly or wrongly) by the presence of motorcyclists? Would they return if the riders, who you must admit have a very limited input into the local economy, left? It might well be a net benefit, for local businesses.
And how many mistake a little import car with a screaming exhaust for a sportbike because they don't know any better? I'm going to say many. I've been fooled myself on occasion.
