The other day, while I was taking a walk near the intersection of NE West Union and Cornellius Pass Rd, a young woman with a baby in a stroller was approaching me. Suddenly, a motorcycle thundered past us, its noise well above the legal dB limit. The unexpected roar startled both of us and sent the baby into a crying frenzy. The mother was visibly upset, and it was at that moment I realized that something had to be done about noise pollution in our community.

This issue is also very personal to me, as a USAF veteran diagnosed with PTSD. Loud noises send me into an anxiety attack. Not a fun experience. It's just not right, these people are getting away with disturbing the peace of block's worth of people, hundreds, and even thousands as they drive by. They don't seem to care that their "loud car" hobby disturbs so many. Lets make them care.

Our neighborhoods in Portland and Hillsboro are becoming increasingly disrupted by the illegal modification of exhaust systems, loud motorcycles, intentional vehicle backfiring, and the constant din of gas-powered leaf blowers. These sources of noise pollution not only disturb our peace but also pose significant health risks, causing stress, sleep disturbances, and even hearing damage. 

According to the World Health Organization, noise pollution is a growing environmental health threat in urban settings, contributing to cardiovascular diseases and impairing children’s learning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that regular exposure to traffic noise can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression.

Despite existing noise ordinances in our city, enforcement is lax. Illegal exhaust systems often go unchecked, and the roar of modified vehicles is an all-too-familiar disturbance in our daily lives. Furthermore, gas leaf blowers, with their notorious noise levels, continue to operate without significant restriction. The technology exists to assess and measure noise levels effectively; what is needed is a commitment to enforce these laws.

We demand increased funding and resources for our local law enforcement agencies to monitor and address noise ordinance violations. Employing noise level monitors in key areas, stricter penalties for offenders, and promoting the use of quieter, electric-powered equipment are feasible steps that can be taken to mitigate this pervasive issue.

Residents of Portland and Hillsboro, it is time to reclaim our tranquility. No one should have to endure the blaring assault of illegal noise pollution. We call on city officials to prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents by enforcing existing noise regulations and considering more robust measures.

Please join me in urging our local government to take immediate action against noise pollution. Sign this petition to bring peace back to our communities.