It's an idea that has western New Yorkers fired up. Lawmakers in Albany, desperate for cash, are considering legislation that would require license plates for bicycles.
We first got wind of this plan by a New York City lawmaker on Monday night, and so far the reaction from both upstate and downstate has been almost identical. Folks think this bicycle licensing proposal, that comes in two parts, is a joke.
Both measures would require bikes be registered, licensed, and pass inspection. One applies to privately owned two-wheelers. The other bill, addressing commercially-operated bicycles, also requires insurance.
Bikes would be required to have license plates, just like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They would cost $25 for the family version, and $50 for the commercial tags.
Amanda Flanagan said, "I don't think that's right. I think it's wrong. It's bad enough we got to pay almost $4 for a gallon of gas."
Sabrina said, "That's crazy! For a bicycle?"
The sponsor of the measures says the $25 license plates would produce nearly $2 million for the state in the first year, and with annual renewal fees, about $300,000 each year after the law becomes effective.
"[NYS] trying to get money any way they can," said Sabrina.
But the author of the bills, Queens Assemblyman Michael DenDekker says, bicycles are considered moving vehicles in New York and more bike riders are using public thoroughfares, and someone has to pay.
DenDekker said, "I think it is a good idea to get bicycles on to roadways as a form of mass transit. But if we do, and we're going to make dedicated lanes per say, then I think we need to have those bicycles registered with license plates."
But Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul says, $25 license plates and inspections could have the opposite effect and discourage people from using bikes.
"It's a nice family outing, trying to conserve on gas, recreation, exercise, which we're trying to encourage, and then to put another roadblock, another cost to be able to do this is just so wrong," said Hochul.
Assemblyman DenDekker does point out, although it is not readily apparent in the bills, bike riders 18 and under would be exempt. DenDekker also concedes this legislation might be better suited for his home turf in New York City than the rest of the state.
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