• stoy@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    4 days ago

    This is the classic argument for loud bikes, and it shows a lack of understanding physics and human nature.

    Physics, the sound is generated by the exhaust pointing backwards, this means that the sound doesn’t propagate well ahead of the bike, but way better behind the bike.

    Human nature, human nature when hearing a loud sound is to find the source, however, by the time a driver has heard the sound the source have often passed, causing a needless distraction. Also, bikes tend to make a very basy sound, this is terrible for humans to hear the direction of.

    Finally, if bikers are so concerned about being noticed by other drivers, why don’t they wear high visibility vests and trousers?

    • iamdefinitelyoverthirteen@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      3 days ago

      Most bikes are not bassy it’s mostly thumpers and harleys that are bassy. Just wait until you get passed by a bunch of squids on sport bikes with parallel twins and I4s, those are much higher, and represent a large percentage of the bikers out there.

      Also, I’m grateful that my bike is loud. I don’t rev it to high hell though, but an additional sensory input for the fuckhead texting on the freeway is not a bad thing. A lot of people where I live (Seattle) don’t pay attention on the road and it’s pretty scary on a bike surrounded by them sometimes. Sometimes it is simply not possible to have a decent safety bubble when there’s traffic.