SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Why don’t bicyclists have to be licensed?

Jun 6, 2016, 3:49 PM

bike, bicycle, cycling, cycle...

Todd Herman believes that adult bike riders should have to pay licensing fees, and tabs to ride on city roads. (AP)

(AP)


I can usually understand both sides of a debate. But I am astonished that anyone disagrees that bikes ridden by adults should be licensed.

If you ride a bike on city streets, you should have a license plate or tabs and be subject to the same traffic laws as car drivers.

The other day I passed an aggressive bicyclist, who in turn flipped me off. I think I should be able to get a bicyclist’s license plate number; I should be able to call a report in on a biker if something strange happens.

I brought this topic up on Twitter and I couldn’t believe how assailed I was for it. If you’re a bicyclist who disagrees with me, I would love to have you explain to me how and why you disagree. I just don’t understand it.

Bicycles should have to pay a license, pay for tabs, and be regulated.

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Why don’t bicyclists have to be licensed?