State Lawmaker Defends Bike Tax, says Bicycling is Not Good for the Environment

[Xyzse]

Last edited Mon Mar 4, 2013, 04:42 PM - Edit history (1)

http://seattlebikeblog.com/2013/03/02/state-lawmaker-says-bicycling-is-not-good-for-the-environment-should-be-taxed/

Representative Ed Orcutt (R – Kalama)
--Edit, took out the image of the letter which is in the link--

Just amazed at how misguided some are. Other issue I have with this is that I have no idea how they would police it.

[AndyA]

1. Guess that means that runners and joggers should be taxed as well.

They often use the roads, and their activities produce the same results.

What idiots. Really, is it surprising this country is so screwed up with people like Orcutt making decisions for us?

[Xyzse]

3. Pretty sad actually

Some people just don't think through what they say.

[Angry Dragon]

5. don't forget the walkers

[Downwinder]

6. They are the worst. Look how long it takes them to

get anywhere. All of the time they are just using up oxygen and breathing out CO2. OTOH drivers don't stop breathing when they get in a car.

[apocalypsehow]

2. "bicyclists are actually polluting when they ride"<---One of the dumbest things I've ever

seen a politician write/state. And that's saying something.

[Xyzse]

4. Thing is...

I believe if he continues going on with what he is doing, he is producing just as much CO2 and methane from his spewing that a fit biker would be at the same time frame.

[Downwinder]

7. Someone should slap him with a law against hyperventilating.

[DreamGypsy]

8. If you need data to refute this and similar nonsense...

... the article cited in the post contains a link to a 17 page report by the European Cycling Federation entitled Cycle more Often 2 cool down the planet ! -Quantifying CO2 savings of cycling. Part of the summary from the report states:

When evaluating different transport modes, it is the bicycle that allows for important greenhouse gas savings. Although not a carbon free mode of transport, the bicycle’s GHG emissions are over 10 times lower than those stemming from individual motorized transport. Pedelecs, despite their electric assistance, are also found to have greenhouse gas emissions in the same range as ordinary bicycles.

This study shows that if levels of cycling in the EU-27 were equivalent to those found in Denmark, bicycle use would help achieve 12 to 26% of the 2050 target reduction set for the transport sector, depending on which transport mode the bicycle replaces.

There report contains methodology, data, and analysis to backup the claims. Caveat - much of the U.S. is much less bike-friendly than many parts of the EU, so American savings may vary.

The ECF also has a neat CO2 calculator, where you can 'Choose your vehicle, indicate your distance in Km and see how much CO2 is emitted for this trip.' For example, going 40 KM by bicycle yields:

Your emissions for this trip represent 840g CO2e.
You have save 10000g CO2e compared to a car trip.

[Xyzse]

9. I sure hope I don't need to refute such a thing.

That Representative is just crazy. Sadly though, you may be right that there are those that actually believe that.

Sad.

[Earth_First]

10. As someone who drives a great deal for a living...

I support registration and insurance fees for bicyclists.

I witness a great deal of careless and downright dangerous activity being perpetrated by Lance Armstrong wannabes and 9-5 commuters who recklessly abandon traffic laws.

Registration and insurance fees as well traffic law enforcement would go a great deal to keep both bicyclists and motorists safely coexisting.

[datasuspect]

11. absolutely

use infrastructure, pay for it.

they need to have some skin in the game. cracked skulls don't count.

[Tempest]

14. They already pay for infrastructure through their taxes.

And most also own cars so they're paying for road upkeep through gasoline taxes.

[datasuspect]

16. registration and insurance

licensing.

absolutely.

anything else is irresponsible.

[Xyzse]

12. Actually I can live with that... somewhat...

I just don't see it for kids under the age of 16.
Especially under 10...
And then only when in city roads. Much less in neighborhoods and trails.

I kinda like these laws:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_in_the_Netherlands

However, the issue is not the taxation of bicycling, but rather "If it pollutes as much as cars".

[Earth_First]

13. Indeed...

I am sorry that I derailed your thread...

[Xyzse]

15. Oh no worries

I don't mind at all, but yeah, I can agree with that somewhat.
I just think they have to be a bit more "lax" on enforcement. Particularly with the younger folk.

Implementation is key in that one.