But the most significant change in modern science is not just about the amount of noise, but how we experience it. Noise is no longer understood solely as a problem that affects hearing, it is also recognised as a systemic environmental pollutant. Transport noise is now one of the leading environmental cause of illness in Europe, second only to air pollution.
I’ve seen stats from Switzerland (IIRC) that said 70% of vehicles breaking noise limits where motorbikes. 20% were trucks and busses. 10% were cars. You want to address transport noise? Get rid of bikers.
It’s nice to see that it’s getting some attention but I’ve been seeing stories about this for years. We will be long dead before this is addressed, let alone solved.
The stats sound about right, based on general world experience.
What those don’t address is quantity per category. There’s way more cars than motorbikes on the roads (in Switzerland and most EU/North America areas).
The loudest part of a car is usually (assuming it’s got a legal muffler) the wheels in contact while rolling at speed. So, while few cars might be breaking a sound law individually, the sheer quantity of cars driving fast makes for the general cacophony you hear in the city. It’s then punctuated with motorbikes, car horns, and leaf blowers. That basic rumble you can never escape is just the tires of the cars rolling along.
Also assholes playing loud music. The only reason for that is because you’re attention starved. Turn the music down and go get a hug you dicks.