The noise of motorcycles is a problem when you live in cities. I'm afraid most city-dwellers would not be faborable of more motorcycle-friendly cities because of that.
Not all motorcycles are that loud, especially the smaller ones more suitable for getting around IN the city. In proper urban areas, scooters are more convenient anyway -- smaller, more maneuverable, automatic transmissions, and more storage.
What's bad is that there's no reason for motorcycles to be loud, with current technology. Car engines these days are whisper-quiet; the exact same could be done with motorcycles. But most motorcyclists (in the US) insist on being obnoxiously loud.
I'll bet Italian scooters aren't like this though.
