Sent this to the Cap Times in reaction to this article by Steve Elbow <http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/wisconsin-bike-tax-floated-as-possible-transportation-budget-measure/article_2a4763fa-a2e5-567d-bc25-02ba4758e778.html> about the proposed bike tax
Thanks for covering this. I would like to point out two things that either were not mentioned by Dave Cieslewicz, or did not make it into the article. But they are very important points. 1. Bicyclists already pay for the roads, because they pay property taxes, the principal source of funding for local roads where most bicyclists ride. Most bicyclists also pay gas taxes and vehicle registration fees because they own cars. We do not allocate space on the road by size of vehicle or what the MPG the vehicle gets--a tiny car and big SUV both get to use the road--so why ding bicyclists for not buying as much gas? 2. The Oregon and Washington taxes mentioned in the article both direct the revenues to bicycle and pedestrian projects. Both states have robust support for infrastructure and education to facilitate non-motorized transportation. In contrast, Wisconsin is gutting the Complete Streets law and cutting all funding for walking and biking. They are even transferring federal funds earmarked for that purpose into the general transportation fund. In the states that have proposed a bicycle fee or tax there is some debate among pro-bicycling groups about whether such a fee would build support for programs or whether it is simply a slap at those using an inexpensive, efficient form of transportation. But at least states that have toyed with the idea are those that wholeheartedly support bicycling. That is until now. Robbie Webber All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any other group with which I am affiliated.
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