It looks like an Assemblywoman in NJ has lots of free time. She has introduced Bill A3657 that if passed would require all bicycles ridden on public highways or public land in NJ to pay a $10 biennial (24 mo.) registration fee or face a $100 fine for each offense.
This bill would require bicycles ridden on public highways or lands to be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission and display license plates. Bicycle registrations would be valid for two years, and the commission could charge up to $10 as an annual registration fee to defray the costs of the program. The bill specifies that if the owner of a bicycle is under 15 years of age, the owners parent or guardian may register it in their stead.
A person who violates any of the bicycle registration provisions would be subject to a fine up to $100 for each offense. In addition, the bill authorizes the chief administrator to suspend or revoke a bicycle registration for any violation of the laws, rules, or regulations regarding their operation.
I am bothered by this for several reasons. A bill like this will actually discourage people from doing something active and good for them. Let's face it...people are going to consider not buying a bike and exercising because this is just another thing they have to do. We all know it.
I own 2 bikes, my road bike at home and a hybrid at the beach. My older son has a bike at our house, my inlaws beach house, and my parent's house. My younger son will have the same amount of bikes when he learns to ride a bike. I am sure at some point my husband will own a bike. If this bill passes, my family will have to pay $90 annually to ride our bikes.
What about a low income family that can't afford to pay $10 for each of their kids to ride a bike legally?
I do think it would be amusing to see the license plates on bikes at triathlons!
I want to know how us cyclists will benefit from this!
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