Originally Posted by Serge *******
Bike are not vehicles, that's why they don't need licenses. Never-the-less, when riding on the roadways, cyclists should act and be treated like vehicle drivers.
Bikes are vehicles. They are not
motor vehicles. As such we are required to obey the transportation laws of the state as they pertain to bicyclists.
Bicycles do not need to be registered because there is no law requiring it. It's as simple as that. Some cities used to require a bike registration (perhaps some still do) but generally cities have abandoned these programs as not cost effective. If a state wished to require bike registration, it certainly has the power to do so, though none do. That being the case, no bicycle owner is able to register and get plates for his bicycle, even if he wishes to.
We could theorize all about why states do not require bike registration, but that would be like coming up with reasons why running shoes do not need be registered. The fact is, the law does not require it.