TRENTON — Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker on Thursday slammed the brakes on a much-maligned proposal to require bicycles be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission at up to $10 a pop, and to force them to sport license plates. Tucker (D-Essex) quickly withdrew the bill, which would have fined those without plates up to $100, and switched gears to focus...
Cyclists make their way north on Second Avenue at sunrise as about 20 riders on antique bicycles, including several high wheel bicycles from the 1880s, ride in an approximately 25-mile trek down to Bradley Beach and back, in this July 2010 photo.TRENTON — Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker on Thursday slammed the brakes on a much-maligned proposal to require bicycles be registered with the Motor Vehicle Commission at up to $10 a pop, and to force them to sport license plates.
Tucker (D-Essex) quickly withdrew the bill, which would have fined those without plates up to $100, and switched gears to focus on elderly pedestrian safety. She had introduced the bill after receiving complaints from senior citizens who had been hit by kids riding bikes.
"My intention was never to impose a burden or additional costs. My goal was to at least begin a discussion of how best to protect elderly pedestrians," said Tucker. "No idea is perfect, but protecting elderly pedestrians deserves attention. I would encourage everyone to give thought to how best we can protect elderly pedestrians and suggest solution."
The bill (A3657), introduced last week, drew outrage from bicycle enthusiasts and others who called it unnecessary and intrusive government regulation.
"I think it’s a victory for everybody who wrote into her, and to their assemblymen and senators," said Paige Hiemier, vice president of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. "It’s a victory for cyclists."
It never had much of a chance. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) said it wasn’t a priority. And while thousands of bills are introduced in the state Legislature each year, few become law. Since 2010, 6,798 bills were proposed and only 129 have been signed into law. Most will sit idle until they expire. Few, however, are formally withdrawn.
Brigid Harrison, a professor of political science at Montclair State University, said the bill struck a sour note with the public because they feel "nickeled and dimed to death."
"Whether it’s access fees to beaches or user fees on campgrounds and parks, the cost of living is hitting people in their purses and wallets, especially in this economic climate," she said.
Previous coverage:
• Bike Hoboken relieved as State assemblywoman withdraws proposal for mandatory bicycle registration
• N.J. lawmaker withdraws proposal to require license plates for bicycles
• N.J. lawmaker proposes mandatory license plates for bicycles