Staff Writer

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport police and the York County Sheriff’s Department targeted motorcycles Sunday in what was described as a “successful checkpoint” near a bar that attracts many motorcycle enthusiasts.

York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette said in a press release that 116 motorcycles were stopped and 22 citations were issued. Twenty-one of the citations were for not having an inspection sticker. One was for not being legally registered.

The checkpoint was held close to the entrance of Bentley’s Saloon, a restaurant on Route 1 in Arundel that can attract more than 200 patrons at any one time – many riding motorcycles.

The checkpoint was set up to verify inspections on motorcycles and educate motorcyclists on new laws that target loud exhaust pipes. A new requirement prohibits owners from certain alterations to exhaust pipes in an effort to reduce noise pollution.

Motorcycles in Maine currently are not required to display an inspection sticker, but motorcyclists are required to carry proof of inspection. Safe areas were provided during the checkpoint for motorcyclists to pull off the road.

“Everyone seemed quite cordial, the majority of people seemed fine with it. It was simply a checkpoint and they were on their way,” said Chief Joseph Bruni of Kennebunkport, who took part in the operation.

Eight motorcycles attempted to avoid the checkpoint, but all were caught. Of those eight, three riders were issued citations for lack of inspection.

Kennebunk Police Chief Robert MacKenzie said some automobiles also were stopped and six were cited for out-of-date inspection stickers.

“I think we got the word out. We handled it very well. It was very safe and the point was to educate and I think that worked. I know there were certainly some citations issued, mainly from inspections,” MacKenzie said.

Bentley’s manager Greg Martinez said he felt Bentley’s was “discriminated against” with the check point so close to the business.

“It was a very solemn feel out there, it hurt our business. People would see that and stop and turn around or they would only stay for one beer instead of three,” Martinez said.

Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.