Seattle Bikes: Encouraging rides

We understand the thinking behind the discussion as to whether cyclists should be licensed and registered in our region. After all, they benefit from use of the roads, so why shouldn't they share the burden of paying for it?

Because so far, there's little evidence that getting cyclists to pay, say, $8 (as is done in Davis, Calif.) will result in enough revenue to make a difference. Charging more can discourage cyclists from riding, which would be a shame, because by virtue of choosing to bicycle, they're lessening the wear and damage done to our roads, in addition to doing their part to reduce pollution.

Riding a bike in these parts can be a rough experience as it is. Our city is hilly, rainy and sometimes windy. We don't have nearly enough bike paths and just watching cyclists brave the "sharrows" with barreling SUVs is enough to put an observer on edge. At the same time, we're struggling to figure out how to move people around the city in the greenest possible manner, while avoiding traffic jams and megaconstruction projects. So this is not the time to start making cyclists pay for their conscientious choice.

Furthermore, registering one's bike should be optional, and in no way should one's cycling infractions appear on one's driving record. What's next, dinging a driver's record for jaywalking?

Having said that, we feel that bicycle safety courses ought to be part of the school curriculum, and perhaps police could be more aggressive in ticketing reckless cyclists. But charge cyclists for doing the right thing? No way.