This has been going on for years. Another neighbor spoke to CPD a few months after this began, and was told that current Cambridge noise regulations for motorcycles are written in such a way that they cannot be tested or enforced. That same neighbor tried speaking directly with the motorcyclist, but those conversations didn’t lead to any change in the motorcycle’s muffler.

Craig Kelly, former representative, looked into this general issue a few years ago. I can check with him. In the meantime, is there anyone else who is interested in this? If there's enough interest it would be worth revisiting with the CPD.

I live nearby and I can confirm, this motorcycle starts up on Orchard and goes around the corner at Orchard/Beech many weekdays around 5:40-6:00 am (but less predictably since COVID started). Loud enough to jar me awake with windows closed, and deafening if I have any windows open. Seems to have straight pipes, from the look of it. If that muffler is legal I'd be really surprised.

City Hall – DR assigned this issue to Police - JW (Communications)

Enforcing the noise ordinance requires a certified sound meter and trained operator. At the Cambridge Police, we can take action for related violations, such as speed or “harsh, objectionable or unreasonable noise” under Massachusetts General Law Ch. 90 S. 16. We are going to assign this to the Traffic Unit and have an officer see if they can observe and hear the noise.

Police - JW -- are you available for a brief phone followup? Could you let us know what the actual noise ordinance is. Thank you!

@Dash - The General Law is available under https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/parti/titlexiv/chapter90/section16#:~:text=No%20person%20shall%20operate%20a,conspicuously%20posted%20at%20the%20entrance. City-specific noise ordinance information is available at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/noiseordinanceinformation.

Thanks JW. Would anyone among the commenters be willing to pursue this with me? Maybe we could fundraise for the sound meter and the services of a trained technician.

BTW, it looks like the address of the motorcyclist is 42 Orchard, not 34.

Hi Dash, I'd be happy to talk with you about options and what you learned from your phone call. Please contact me at adf9pj24f_q (at-sign) trashmail (period) com and let's arrange a time to talk.

very loud motorcycle noise on greenough boulevard - accelerating starting fresh pond pkwy/mt auburn intersection - they are especially bad late at night and on weekends - speeding for sure - so if you cannot get them based on muffler noise please have someone check the speeding. They run the red light and seem to be circling the river. we have tried to get a response from city council - but barely any replies.