N.J. assemblywoman slams brakes on bicycle license plate proposal

[The Northerner]

TRENTON — Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker on Thursday slammed the brakes on a much-maligned proposal to require bicycles be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission at up to $10 a pop, and to force them to sport license plates.

Tucker (D-Essex) quickly withdrew the bill, which would have fined those without plates up to $100, and switched gears to focus on elderly pedestrian safety. She had introduced the bill after receiving complaints from senior citizens who had been hit by kids riding bikes.

"My intention was never to impose a burden or additional costs. My goal was to at least begin a discussion of how best to protect elderly pedestrians," said Tucker. "No idea is perfect, but protecting elderly pedestrians deserves attention. I would encourage everyone to give thought to how best we can protect elderly pedestrians and suggest solution."

The bill (A3657), introduced last week, drew outrage from bicycle enthusiasts and others who called it unnecessary and intrusive government regulation.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/01/nj_assemblywoman_slams_brakes.html

[shraby]

1. Maybe a bell or horn on the bike to ring when coming up behind

a pedestrian would work wonders. I'd rather the bikes were ridden on the sidewalks instead of in traffic and the only problem I've ever had with bikes on sidewalks is when they came up behind me, I couldn't hear them and therefore couldn't move to one side and let them pass me.

[rfranklin]

3. I am a bike rider and have yelled at my fellow riders who...

go whizzing past pedestrians on paths at high speed. It startles people and the chances of having one of them move in front of you at that point would guarantee injuries to them if not both.

[slackmaster]

2. Regressive taxes and fees are regressive

There should never be any kind of tax or fee to operate a bicycle.

[Mika]

4. What about helmet requirements?

I am a serious sport rider, and wear a helmet always. My local bicycle club does right by requiring helmets also, but legal helmet requirements are imposing a fee on a cyclist.

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[slackmaster]

6. Not necessarily

Someone might give you a helmet for your birthday or Christmas if you're really, really nice.

[Lance_Boyle]

5. License PLATE was the wrong idea. LICENSE is needed.

Need one to operate any other vehicle on public roads - bicycles should not be exempt from this, or any other "rules of the road."

[HereSince1628]

7. I seem to remember such things from the 1950's

I don't know if they were just accessories or if they were required...gotta go do some googling...

[HereSince1628]

8. Apparently a 1953 corn flakes promotional item!

didn't see a pic...