I took a ride to La Romana in early August 03. My taxi driver drove through the center of San Pedro de Macoris. Even he and my S.D. girlfriend commented that they were aghast at the number of motor bikes. It was a shocking experience, to not see hundreds, but literally thousands of motor bikes spewing carbon monoxide on an unprecendented scale. And per my Dominican friends, this is an everyday occurrence. The thought that went through my mind, was how in the world the local townspeople could breathe.
Yes, the D.R is noted for graft and corruption, but something has to be done to curtail the stifling output of carbon monoxide and other fumes. To differ Keith, I would make it mandatory that all motor bikes pass an emissions test. At least for all bikes beyond a certain date and perhaps exempt bikes that are 15 - 20 yrs. old. Then again, probably 90% of the bikes are 20 yrs. old.
But something has to be done. I would imagine that breathing in those exhaust clouds on a daily basis, has to wreak havoc on the heart and lungs of San Pedro's citizenry.
I'm willing to bet that San Pedro holds the world's record for the most number of dirt bikes in a 10 mile square area. At least 10,000 in that small town.
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