Good morning, Thought I would forward this message I received from another list regarding bike licensing. I know the subject has come up locally from time to time. Nick
---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: "YIP Julie A" Julie.A.YIP@odot.state.or.us Reply-To: "YIP Julie A" Julie.A.YIP@odot.state.or.us Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:08:06 -0800
Happy Friday. I'm reporting back on what I've learned from responses to my query about whether any states have done a feasibility study on issuance of bicycle licenses, and if there were licensing programs and if so, use of fees, if any.
A newly introduced bill in Oregon would require Oregon DOT to conduct such a study to determine whether a voluntary or mandatory licensing system could work to the advantage of bicyclists for tracing stolen or lost bicycles, using fees for bike infrastructure, or for using information for planning.
- I did not receive any leads on studies done by states regarding the
feasibility of bicycle licensing.
- Some states had looked into bicycle licensing, such as Vermont and
Indiana, without resulting in a licensing program. Concerns mentioned were the difficulties of enforcement and administration of the program balanced against limited financial benefits. Vermont has bicycle tourists from Canada and other states and there could be negative impacts from required licensing. New Hampshire had "floated the idea of a fee on canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats" with no resulting licensing of boats (or bikes).
Minnesota had a state law (1980's) requiring bicycle licensing but it was repealed in 2005 "after the administrative costs of the program were more than the proceeds." While it was in effect, Minnesota had a mandatory bike licensing program but cities may have had option to opt out. The proceeds were put into an account for the MN bicycle safety programs.
- While I did not find current STATE bicycle licensing programs,
there are bicycle licensing programs at the local level in many states. Missoula, MT, has mandatory registration through city ordinance. Purpose for registration is ability to identify a lost or injured child. Dealers are required to inform purchasers of the city requirement. Fees maintain administration of the program.
Jeff Peel, of the League of American Bicyclists, provided information that the League had collected through a survey of its top bicycle friendly communities. It appears from the survey that fees collected from the local agency registration programs go towards general city funds or towards management of the registration program. You can contact him about his survey at Jeff@bikeleague.org .
Some respondents directed me towards the National Bike Registry, as one of the Oregon bill's stated advantages to be studied was the ability to trace stolen or lost bicycles. The National Bike Registry's website states it is "the only true national database." http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/
Jeff Peel cited the example of Colorado Springs, CO, which has had a $4 excise tax since 1988, on new bike purchase w/ 14" wheels. Retailers pay proceeds quarterly to City. Fees go toward extensive bikeway system. The City worked with retailers before imposing tax. This program has raised over $2M in last 20 years.
Thanks to all who sent responses. I even was alerted to a timely radio interview of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's Advocacy Director, John Boyle, by conservative talk show host Katherine Albrecht!
This information is extremely useful background for us moving forward in the Oregon legislative session.
Julie Yip ODOT Transportation Safety Division 235 Union St. NE Salem, OR 97301 (503) 986-4196 (direct) (503) 986-3143 (fax) julie.a.yip@odot.state.or.us
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-- Nick Hein LCI# 1705 Director, Positive Spin 803 East Brockway Ave Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --