Edmonton-born Noise Snare gets testing extension in Calgary but still has wrinkles to iron out

In Calgary, an Edmonton-invented contraption called the Noise Snare is being tested as a way to warn motorcyclists of their loud, muffler-lacking engines.

Originally implemented in May, device is on 17th Avenue S.W. and its time there has been extended as city council wants to further test it.

Noise problems are a major bylaw complaint in Calgary, but it’s virtualy impossible to punish violating drivers. Plus, motorcyclists argue their loud noises protects them by alerting larger vehicles of their presence.

The gizmo, which costs $112,500, has garnered attention throughout North America but its feasibility is still in question. Quoth the Calgary Herald:

How does it work by sound walls? In the cold? When one quiet bike and an unmuffled car speed by? And perhaps most vitally to bylaw director Bill Bruce, is the device catching enough noisemakers to warrant buying a few of the machines and redeploying officers to use them?

There is no simple solution to this problem—one which plagues not just Calgary but many cities around the world—and certainly none that everyone would agree with.

A neat invention, but unfortunately little else for now.