N.J. lawmaker withdraws proposal to require license plates for bicycles

Assemblywoman says her goal was to begin discussion on how to protect elderly pedestrians Watch video

TRENTON — Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex) has withdrawn her proposal for a bill that would have required bicycles to be registered.

Andrew Mills/The Star-LedgerRiders won't have to worry about registering their bicycles.

“My intention was never to impose a burden or additional costs," Tucker said in a statement. "My goal was to at least begin a discussion of how best to protect elderly pedestrians. No idea is perfect, but protecting elderly pedestrians deserves attention."

If the proposed bill had been enacted, riders or their parents would plunk down up to $10 a year to register them with the Division of Motor Vehicles. And anyone caught riding a bicycle without a license plate on public property could face a fine of up to $100 for each offense.

Tucker said senior citizens have called her office to report that they’ve been knocked down by inconsiderate riders, but had no way to register a complaint.

"I would encourage everyone to give thought to how best we can protect elderly pedestrians and suggest solutions," the statement read.

Related coverage:

• State assemblywoman withdraws proposal for mandatory bicycle registration to the relief of Bike Hoboken