NC bill proposes bicycle registration.

[SSG]

As far as I know this is the first time any state has proposed bicycle registration (rather than individual cities). No mention of what the registration tag will look like or how it will be attached to the bicycle. If you're in NC and have an opinion you might let your representatives know.

https://www.scribd.com/document/400665092/NC-Bike-Bill#from_embed

 

[RustySprockets]

More perspective from a bicycle advocate. BTW, Section 1, para a indicates that this only applies to road-going bikes. So, I guess those riding on paths and trails get an exemption? This really smells like a money-grab...one barely enough to cover the cost of administration. Sorry kids, no helmet money for you!

Were this nonsense enacted here, I'd be sorely tempted to get ONE tag, then affix it to my various bikes by means of a magnet--whichever I decided to ride that day. If found out, my fine would be far less than the fees I'd otherwise incur.

http://www.wbtv.com/2019/02/27/nc-b...yclists-register-bikes-pay-registration-fees/

 

[MojoK]

Vermont looked at it.

https://vtdigger.org/2018/01/12/bill-create-bike-registrations-impose-28-annual-fee/

 

[SSG]

The helmet program is currently funded through sales of a special "Share the road" license plate which raises about $13,000 a year, and they expected to provide around 4,000 helmets (2017 stats). I think it's a good program. I'm not sure if they intend to expand the program.

 

[Wildcat]

I would guess it would be a permanent sticker like on auto tags. Cities in Hawaii and California do already. That would be the cheapest way.

However it doesn't do much for bike owners, here the thieves just strip the bike where it sits and sell the parts on CL.

 

[wheelbender6]

We had bicycle registration when I lived in California. It was a permanent sticker, rather than a plate. It was not mandatory.

 

[Bart52]

I've already written my representative expressing my opposition. It is simply an unnecessary law which would provide little benefit.

The economic benefits of bicycle infrastructure has been shown in study after study to be significant, and would outweigh any revenue generated from the fee.

 

[clamdigger]

That was tried in NJ in 2011 . $10.00 annual fee, $100.00 fine. The winning counter argument was financial hardship . It was said that a family of 4 would likely own 6 bikes, and could not afford to bear this cost. What was not acknowledged is that the poor working people rely on bikes to get to work, and can least afford the fee. https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/A4000/3657_I1.HTM

 

[handyandy1100]

I've been following this. I figure all the yellow and green rental bikes in Raleigh (and perhaps other cities) looks like a lucrative target. I wonder if out-of-state bikes entered in the Ironman or regular bicycle races will need tags?
I only have a handful of bikes, but the fees will add up. Kinda puts a kink in building/fixing up more unless I just keep rebuilding the ones that are registered?

I hope the bill fails.

 

[RustyGold]

Oregon is the only state with a bike tax ...

https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2017/07/oregon_just_passed_the_only_bi.html

That means, unless opponents challenge the bill at the ballot or in court, starting Jan. 1, 2018, new bicycles with a wheel diameter of 26 inches or more and a retail price of $200 or more will be taxed a flat rate of $15.

My Wife got me a Redline SQB26 for Christmas via Amazon...the $15 showed up on the bill .

The rationalization? Well, bikes use the same infrastructure as cars to get around, but they don't have to pay vehicle registration fees that go towards the wear and tear they cause.

I wonder how many bikes would have to go over a section of concrete or asphalt to cause any noticeable damage?

Jason