Originally Posted by
Hiro11
A controversial suggestion might be asking cyclists to pony up some money for riding on the road. Given that bikes cause very little wear and tear to streets and that space requirments are small, such a tax should be relatively low (maybe an annual bike license fee). Also, the presence of such a tax would go a long way in convincing people of the validity of cycling and cyclists. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to such a decision if the cyclists got some respect and infrastructure in return.
That would be controversial, and it would be counter-productive. Creating barriers to entry to an activity will decrease participation in that activity. It's difficult enough to get around by bike in the US, if people have to pay $50 a year for the privilege on top of that, it just wouldn't be worth it to get a bike.
It's a cliche at this stage, but my road taxes and insurance on my Focus are fully paid up. I'd say I paid mine this year more timely than the SOB that blazed his horn at me last Wednesday tearing past in his souped-up Civic giving me the finger even though there were 2 of us riding single file in the shoulder. Every trip I make on my bike decreases road traffic in my town, decreases street wear in town, decreases pollution, etc etc. There is no reason I should make any further financial contribution, unless it was to a fund that could be ring-fenced purely for the purposes of cycling infrastructure. Even then, I doubt that fund would accumulate enough to make a difference.