BIKE: Proposed law for $5 MB set aside

[Mike Dahmus]

Jeb Boyt wrote:

> <Patrick's post is set out below>
>
> There are three distinct issues raised by the proposed $5 tax:  the 
> appropriateness of assessing a fee for trail construction, the 
> fairness of applying the tax to all cyclists and the fairness of 
> asking cyclists with less income to pay the tax.  The proposed fee 
> will be included in an amendment to HB 1292, relating to allocation 
> and use of revenue from the salex tax on sporting goods.
>
> First, as to the appropriateness of the fee, surveys consistently show 
> that trails are one of the most preferred and requested facilities.  
> The State, in general, and TPWD, in particular, does not have enough 
> revenue to meet the state's public land needs.  The fee will generate 
> much needed funds for cycling trails.  More trails means more 
> opportunities for cyclists.  Getting people on their bikes on a trail 
> can be a great gateway for getting people to use their bikes for 
> transportation.  People who drive to a trail today may attempt to ride 
> to the trail tomorrow and will also likely start looking for riding 
> opportunities closer to home.  In addition, these funds will ensure 
> that trails are properly constructed and maintained to minimize any 
> impacts to wildlife and water quality.
>
> Second, as to applying the fairness of applying the tax to all 
> cyclists, while this fee will not directly benefit road cyclists, it 
> is only unfair to those cyclists who never ride trails.  Many cyclists 
> have road bikes and mountain bikes.  Also, all cyclists benefit when 
> more safe cycling opportunities are created.
>
> Third, as to the fairness of asking cyclists with less income to pay 
> the fee.  The fee is structured to apply only to the sales of bikes 
> that cost more than $50.  That will exempt many cyclists with less 
> income.  If fairness is still a concern, the exemption could be raised 
> to $75 or $100.  Raising the exemption would also ensure that it does 
> not soon become mooted by inflation.

Even my stepson's Toys-R-Us bike (for occasional trip to/from school) 
cost more than $50. It's difficult to buy a bike for less these days.

(I face replacing my commuter bike, which was apparently stolen from my 
yard during the couple of weeks I didn't ride around my vacation; and 
there's no way I can buy even a used road or touring bike for less than 
$200).

- MD