Friday, February 17, 2017

Bike Registration Bill (H.46) goes before Vermont Legislature

From Local Motion
sq_snowy_statehouse_thumb.jpgA few weeks back, Rep. Cindy Weed introduced a bill in the Vermont legislature (H.46) that would require anyone over 16 to register their bike.  (You can read the full text of the billhere.) We've received a number of emails and calls from members about this legislation, so here's a quick post to let you know that Local Motion is on it!  Read on to learn more about our position and what we are doing.
Our position in a nutshell:  we oppose bike registration.  Why?  It doesn't do any good, it discourages biking, it creates unnecessary headaches for law enforcement, and it costs more to administer than it generates in revenue.  Here's an article that lays out the argument against in more detail. 
When we checked in with Sen. Dick Mazza, the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, he said in no uncertain terms that he would not support a bike registration bill.  Given that it would have to go through him to reach a vote, that means the bill will not go anywhere this session.  (Though we'll keep an eye on it anyhow!)  
As Vermont's statewide bike and walk advocacy organization, Local Motion keeps close tabs on the State House.  Legislators increasingly look to us for guidance on legislative issues affecting biking and walking.  
Please email us with any concerns or issues you see at legislation@localmotion.org.  We always appreciate hearing from our supporters about legislative issues that matter to you.  

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