And the post that supports this Many of us have noticed the groups of motorcyclists arriving now that the weather is getting nicer. They often idle, rev engines loudly as a form of greeting or display and park in central spots like directly in front of Settle Town Hall in the Market Place, Whitefriars car park and Asda garage. This creates deep rumbling, shockingly loud bursts of noise, and disruption that echoes through our valleys and villages. While motorcycling is a popular hobby, this behaviour can feel overwhelming and intrusive in a place we all treasure for its peace and quiet. It’s a real shame that some riders don’t take into account our need for an stress-free life in this beautiful, tranquil National Park where many of us live year-round. Why this matters – the real disadvantages • Impact on vulnerable residents: The unpredictable noise triggers heightened stress, anxiety, and distress for people with mental health conditions (linked to raised cortisol levels and sleep disruption). For autistic individuals, it can cause sensory overload, meltdowns, or shutdowns. Elderly residents often experience alarm, sleep issues, or worsened conditions like hypertension. Children have more sensitive hearing too, making sudden loud revving particularly frightening and disruptive to their concentration and development. Research shows chronic noise exposure increases the risk of depression and anxiety, with mechanisms involving stress hormone activation and sympathetic nervous system responses (Hahad et al., 2019 and later meta-analyses on environmental noise and mental health). • Impact on pets: Dogs have significantly greater hearing sensitivity than humans, especially for higher-frequency sounds. In the 3,000–12,000 Hz range (common in engine noise), dogs can detect sounds that are much quieter than humans can perceive. For even higher frequencies, the difference can allow dogs to hear the same sound at four times (or more) the distance. The deep rumbling and sharp revving is therefore intensely painful and distressing for them — causing anxiety, hiding, or barking in response (American Kennel Club, referencing Stanley Coren’s work on canine hearing sensitivity, 2026 update; Heffner auditory threshold studies comparing dogs and humans). • Wildlife harm: Settle and the Dales are home to protected bats (including soprano and common pipistrelles that forage around villages and the River Ribble at dusk) and priority birds like curlew, lapwing, and other ground-nesters. Loud mechanical noise reduces bat activity by up to two-thirds and interferes with their echolocation and feeding behaviour, with effects felt at least 20 metres away (Finch et al., 2020, University of Sussex / Environmental Pollution study; Siemers et al., 2010). It also disrupts bird communication, foraging, raises stress levels, and can lower breeding success. Impact on livestock: In our farming landscape, cattle and sheep (especially during sensitive seasons such as lambing, calving, or breeding) are also affected. Sudden or loud noises can trigger stress responses, including elevated heart rate, increased cortisol, behavioural changes (startling, freezing, or running), and reduced feed intake or productivity. Research shows noise acts as an environmental stressor that can disrupt normal behaviour and physiology in livestock, with sudden intermittent sounds (like revving) often provoking stronger reactions than continuous noise (Brouček, 2014; Waynert et al., 1999 on cattle responses to noise; Olczak et al., 2023 review on sound in livestock farming). • Community and National Park peace: This turns our tranquil rural character into something far less relaxing for those who live here. Specific crackdowns on noisy/illegal exhausts occur via North Yorkshire Police and Council. There have been repeated proposals and calls for vehicle-free days (or Sundays), stricter speed limits, tolls on popular routes, or tighter controls on parking and revving in villages. Motorcycles are already banned from most footpaths, bridleways, and restricted byways. Residents and groups like CANS (Councils Against Noise and Speed) continue to push for stronger enforcement in scenic spots. Specific parking bans have also been introduced or proposed in some seaside or town centres after complaints (for example, restrictions at popular quayside spots like Rye’s Strand Quay). It is true that some small local businesses (cafes, pubs, petrol stations, and food outlets) benefit from the spending of motorcyclists who stop in the area. However, this economic gain should not come at the cost of residents, other visitors, and local fauna being severely affected by the noise and disruption. The peace and quiet that draws many people to the Dales — including families, walkers, and nature lovers — is part of what makes the area special and sustainable in the long term. We can welcome visitors without allowing antisocial behaviour to harm the very things that make the Dales worth visiting. We should not have to simply accept this disruption for the benefit of a small minority. The peace and quiet of the Dales is one of the main reasons many of us live here or choose to visit. It is NOT about preventing riders from enjoying social time together — it is about ensuring that a minority does not impose significant noise and disturbance on the wider community in a place where tranquillity is so highly valued. These issues have been raised locally for years. Why do some riders do this? (Some of the science and psychology behind it) To help us all understand the behaviour a bit better, here’s what research and rider psychology tell us: • Adrenaline and dopamine reward: Riding (especially with loud exhausts) triggers a strong release of dopamine — the brain’s “feel-good” chemical — and adrenaline. This creates an intense thrill and sense of aliveness, similar to other high-risk activities. Studies on extreme sports show this dopamine hit can become addictive, making the sensory experience (engine rumble, vibration through the body) feel like a natural high or “therapy on two wheels.” • Flow state and mental escape: Psychologists describe riding as producing a “flow state” (a concept from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), where total focus on the road and machine shuts out everyday worries. For many older riders it becomes moving meditation — reducing stress hormones and providing profound mental clarity. The loud sound and vibration add to this immersive sensory feedback. • Identity, rebellion and nostalgia: In midlife or later years, some riders use the bike (and its noise) to reclaim a sense of freedom, rugged independence, and youth. Psychological theories around “reactance” explain why loud pipes feel like a small act of rebellion against rules, society or “the man” (noise regulations). It’s often tied to nostalgia for earlier, less restricted riding days and an “I’ve earned this” mindset after decades of responsibilities. • Social bonding ritual: Much like dogs barking at each other, revving engines in groups acts like a pack signal — a quick, audible way of saying “hello” or showing camaraderie. Group dynamics research shows shared rituals strengthen belonging and identity within the biking community. None of this excuses the impact on our community, but understanding the psychology helps explain why the behaviour persists even when it affects others. Advice if you’re feeling distressed • Short-term coping: Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones during peak times (weekend mornings/afternoons), play white noise or calming sounds indoors, practise grounding techniques (deep breathing or mindfulness apps), and reach out to friends/neighbours for support — you’re not alone! • Look after yourself: If the noise is badly affecting your mental health or family, consider speaking to your GP or local support services. How to complain and take action (it does help when we report together) North Yorkshire Council has a legal duty to investigate motorcycle noise as a potential statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act. 1. Report to North Yorkshire Council (primary for noise nuisance): �Use the online form or their dedicated motorcycle/quad bike noise page: � https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/envir...n/noise-pollution-motorcycles-and-quad-bikes� Or the general noise report: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/envir.../pollution/noise-pollution/report-noise-issue �Provide dates, times, locations (especially Settle Town Hall/Market Place), and how it affects you or the community/wildlife. Multiple reports strengthen the case for monitoring, checks on illegal exhausts, and enforcement. 2. Report to North Yorkshire Police (for antisocial behaviour or vehicle nuisance): �Call 101 (non-emergency) or use their online vehicle nuisance form: � https://www.northyorkshire.police.u...le-nuisance-involving-cars-bikes-and-mopeds/� Mention revving, parking issues, and community impact. Tips for reporting: Keep a simple log of incidents (date/time/location/impact). Photos or short videos (taken safely) help. Named complaints are generally more effective for follow-up. If enough of us report consistently, it builds evidence for patrols, action days, signage, or quieter zones — as has happened in the Dales before. We’re a strong community that values our beautiful, peaceful Dales and the wildlife that calls it home. Let’s support each other and encourage considerate enjoyment of the area by everyone. If you’ve been affected, feel free to comment below (respectfully) or message me if you’d prefer privacy. Take care, and thanks for looking out for one another and our home ❤️ #SettleCommunity #YorkshireDales #NoiseNuisance #ReportIt #ProtectOurPeace
At least the author has listed the pros as well as the cons. Revving your engine in any town is pretty stupid, to be fair.
Personally I think most of that diatrible was written by Ai. I googled this which led me to an FB page. The author gets very little support and a great deal of flack from local Settle & area residents who overwhelmingly (on the post) support the bikers, they seemed to accept that a little noise is made, but felt the income to their town was worth it.
LOL. I've read some shite in my time but that's well up there; NIMBY's, what a shower. Lets just boycott the area and watch their economy take a significant hit when all the nasty bikers take their day trip business elsewhere. Or, substitute the word biker with the word Muslim or burka or Asian or Refugee and see what happens! What a cunt.
