Do Bicyclists Deserve to be Taxed?

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If this theoretically becomes the norm in America then I think cyclists should get a tax rebate for not polluting and not consuming gas. I think the idea is ridiculous because of the points in the article...like that most cyclists own cars, they just don't use them as much, but still pay the taxes and fees. I think that anti-bike politicians are underestimating the potential for American cyclists to unite as a political force. If you push enough, you're going to get pushed back.

Tim of MO 2:19AM April 05, 2009

How can you even think of taxing a $150 bike from K-Mart $54, let us equal that out with $30,000 car that is also $54. Let me see. . That should make the car around $10,000 for 2 years, works for me.

themickeyd of WA 1:43PM April 04, 2009

Get those pollution-causing bikes off the road! All those worn out tires , Eyesoars, and ALL THOSE BIKE RACKS! Wow, how do you pay for all that!
(Sarcasm mode off)
Truthfully, it sounds like some lame-brain politician has his head too far up his derrier: It's been deprived oxygen and he's now brain-dead

Doldman of MN 11:38AM April 04, 2009

A tax on bicycles is not a bad idea but charging the same as a car is unfair. A tax of two dollars or even five would be sufficient. People need to be encouraged to ride bicycles and a high tax would have the opposite effect. However, bikers do use the roads so a small tax would be fair.

Dave of CO 8:36PM April 03, 2009

Local roads are usually paid for from local and state property, sales and income taxes. Cyclists pay these taxes in spite of putting very little wear on the roads. Perhaps everyone who promises not to use a car should get a rebate on their local taxes.
And car drivers should pay for all the costs they impose on others. Including things like:
*Cost of road police services
*Health care costs from car pollution
*Costs of transporting children to school when cars make the roads unsafe for children to cycle on.
*Costs of oil wars and propping up petro-dictators.
*Costs of stress due to car noise pollution

Kevin Love of WI 7:23PM April 03, 2009

missed a word, sorry

larry of CA 6:39PM April 03, 2009

I surprised no one has proposed to tax air.
They will keep pushing and there will come a time when the masses will say enough.

Larry of CA 6:39PM April 03, 2009

YES, ACCORDING TO KARL MARX, FROM EACH ACCORDING TO HIS ABILITY, TO EACH ACCORDING TO HIS NEED, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE. TAXING THE RICH WHO MAKE OVER $250,000 A YEAR, TAXING THE SMOKERS WHO GENERALLY MAKE LESS THAN THAT, CAP AND TRADE CREDITS FOR THOSE THAT PRODUCE IN OUR COUNTRY, REVIVING THE ESTATE TAX, AND NOW THE BIKE TAX. WE'RE GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD JUST TAKE EVERYTHING AND THEN GIVE US BACK WHAT THEY FEEL WE DESERVE FOR OUR EFFORTS. AMERICA WHAT A COUNTRY!

VERNE of FL 6:00PM April 03, 2009

If anything bike commuters should get a tax credit. Every bike commuter I know (and I am one) already has a car on which taxes are paid. Rep. Kreiger is in the dark ages.

Bill Hankes of WA 5:05PM April 03, 2009