New York Bike License Bill is Dead
The New York bike bill backed by Queens Democrat Michael G. DenDekker, which we told you yesterday probably wouldn't pass, has already been withdrawn after DenDekker was "flooded with complaints from people who lived outside the city that they were being taxed and regulated to address concerns about unsafe cycling that existed largely in New York City." We've tried to get the message across: don't mess with cyclists.
In DenDekker's proposal, everyone would be required a one-time registration that would cost $25, plus a yearly renewal fee of $5, in addition to mandatory insurance for commercial cyclists and more paperwork that would run them around $50. He's backing off from all of the bureaucracy and charges, but still hopes "to have stricter enforcement of existing bicycling rules and regulations," according to the New York Times. Still, the pro-bike side is pretty thrilled:
Paul Steely White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, the clean-transportation advocacy group that opposed the bill, applauded its withdrawal. "Across New York State, the people have spoken, and they agree that bicycle license plates are a bad idea," Mr. White said in a statement. "It is comforting to know that the State's resources will not be directed away from proven life-saving enforcement on our streets."
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