First bicycle tax in nation leaves bike-crazy Oregon riders deflated

[phill4paul]

In Oregon, a state known for its avid bicycling culture, the state legislature’s approval of the first bike tax in the nation has fallen flat with riders.
Democratic Gov. Kate Brown is expected to sign the sweeping $5.3 billion transportation package, which includes a $15 excise tax on the sale of bicycles costing more than $200 with a wheel diameter of at least 26 inches.

Even though the funding has been earmarked for improvements that will benefit cyclists, the tax has managed to irk both anti-tax Republicans and environmentally conscious bikers alike.

BikePortland publisher Jonathan Maus called it “an unprecedented step in the wrong direction.”

“We are taxing the healthiest, most inexpensive, most environmentally friendly, most efficient, and most economically sustainable form of transportation ever devised by the human species,” Mr. Maus said.

The bike tax is aimed at raising $1.2 million per year in order to improve and expand paths and trails for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Bikers cheered last year when Portland passed a four-year, 10-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline aimed at improving roads,

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...oregon-riders/

[Iowa]

The game of using government to get your pouting way is no more than a contest between two factions that hate each other as much as they hate freedom.

[Schifference]

Who should pay for bike paths people that fly airplanes?

[afwjam]

Sorry we have had a bike tax in Hawaii for years now. First.

[tod evans]

Who should pay for bike paths?

Food stamp recipients.

[phill4paul]

And this is only one sector of government intrusion needed to be foisted upon the cyclist crowds. Motor cycle riders are required to wear skid-lids. Cyclists should have to also. Just think of the revenue generated by fines for non-compliance! And let's mandate a safe-cycling class to receive a Cyclists' License. I'm thinking a two week course to receive a learners permit. Then a 4-8 yr. renewal at the newly created Department of Self Propelled Conveyances. The DSPC. That even sounds cool. Think of the special interests that could reap millions on that. Yearly bicycle inspections? Tags? Proof of liability insurance? Bingo!

[phill4paul]

Sorry we have had a bike tax in Hawaii for years now. First.

We don't consider Hawaii to be a part of this nation. It's just an island.

[Swordsmyth]

And this is only one sector of government intrusion needed to be foisted upon the cyclist crowds. Motor cycle riders are required to wear skid-lids. Cyclists should have to also. Just think of the revenue generated by fines for non-compliance! And let's mandate a safe-cycling class to receive a Cyclists' License. I'm thinking a two week course to receive a learners permit. Then a 4-8 yr. renewal at the newly created Department of Self Propelled Conveyances. The DSPC. That even sounds cool. Think of the special interests that could reap millions on that. Yearly bicycle inspections? Tags? Proof of liability insurance? Bingo!

And they still wouldn't learn.

[Schifference]

Every bicycle should need to be registered and insured.

[Keith and stuff]

Every bicycle should need to be registered and insured.

Automobiles don't need to be insured by law. Why would bikes? Or do you mean specifically in OR?

[tod evans]

And this is only one sector of government intrusion needed to be foisted upon the cyclist crowds. Motor cycle riders are required to wear skid-lids. Cyclists should have to also. Just think of the revenue generated by fines for non-compliance! And let's mandate a safe-cycling class to receive a Cyclists' License. I'm thinking a two week course to receive a learners permit. Then a 4-8 yr. renewal at the newly created Department of Self Propelled Conveyances. The DSPC. That even sounds cool. Think of the special interests that could reap millions on that. Yearly bicycle inspections? Tags? Proof of liability insurance? Bingo!

Bicycle toll roads and commuter lanes for tandems and rickshaws....

[Pauls' Revere]

No sympathy for Oregonians, they vote for this crap they get it. I think the key words there were the "sale" of bikes, bet the rate of bike theft jumps. While living there I remember "Critical Mass" (cycling activist) supporting taxing cars to death on gas and mileage,sale,registration. Ironic now.

[Origanalist]

Bicycle toll roads and commuter lanes for tandems and rickshaws....

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to tod evans again.

[Origanalist]

And this is only one sector of government intrusion needed to be foisted upon the cyclist crowds. Motor cycle riders are required to wear skid-lids. Cyclists should have to also. Just think of the revenue generated by fines for non-compliance! And let's mandate a safe-cycling class to receive a Cyclists' License. I'm thinking a two week course to receive a learners permit. Then a 4-8 yr. renewal at the newly created Department of Self Propelled Conveyances. The DSPC. That even sounds cool. Think of the special interests that could reap millions on that. Yearly bicycle inspections? Tags? Proof of liability insurance? Bingo!

Sheesh.....
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to phill4paul again.

[Origanalist]

The game of using government to get your pouting way is no more than a contest between two factions that hate each other as much as they hate freedom.

True, but it's really hard not to gain some pleasure at the bicycle crowd getting stuck with a small portion of what everybody else gets. (and watching them whine like bitches about it.)

[oyarde]

Oregon needs to pony up and raise that bicycle tax .Show everyone they mean it .

[Anti Federalist]

And this is only one sector of government intrusion needed to be foisted upon the cyclist crowds. Motor cycle riders are required to wear skid-lids. Cyclists should have to also. Just think of the revenue generated by fines for non-compliance! And let's mandate a safe-cycling class to receive a Cyclists' License. I'm thinking a two week course to receive a learners permit. Then a 4-8 yr. renewal at the newly created Department of Self Propelled Conveyances. The DSPC. That even sounds cool. Think of the special interests that could reap millions on that. Yearly bicycle inspections? Tags? Proof of liability insurance? Bingo!

More people die in slips trips and falls around the home.

I demand mandatory helmet use during all waking hours.

<<<<Safety Gasm>>>>

[Anti Federalist]

No sympathy for Oregonians, they vote for this crap they get it. I think the key words there were the "sale" of bikes, bet the rate of bike theft jumps. While living there I remember "Critical Mass" (cycling activist) supporting taxing cars to death on gas and mileage,sale,registration. Ironic now.

None...this is the same as Kalifornians bitching about the massive increase in gas and vehicle taxes.

You vote for liberal progressive super majorities, then complain when they do liberal progressive things.

$#@! 'em...hope they slap a $150 tax on them

[DamianTV]

https://tech.slashdot.org/story/17/0...-tax-in-nation
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...oregon-riders/

In Oregon, a state known for its avid bicycling culture, the state legislature's approval of the first bike tax in the nation has fallen flat with riders. Democratic Gov. Kate Brown is expected to sign the sweeping $5.3 billion transportation package, which includes a $15 excise tax on the sale of bicycles costing more than $200 with a wheel diameter of at least 26 inches. Even though the funding has been earmarked for improvements that will benefit cyclists, the tax has managed to irk both anti-tax Republicans and environmentally conscious bikers. The bike tax is aimed at raising $1.2 million per year in order to improve and expand paths and trails for bicyclists and pedestrians. Supporters point out that Oregon has no sales tax, which means buyers won't be dinged twice for their new wheels.

[Swordsmyth]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthr...iders-deflated

[DamianTV]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthr...iders-deflated

Well, dammit.

[luctor-et-emergo]

Supporters point out that Oregon has no sales tax, which means buyers won't be dinged twice for their new wheels.

What the heck is wrong with people that they can be categorizes as "Supporters" of a tax.
Seriously.

[NorthCarolinaLiberty]

What the heck is wrong with people that they can be categorizes as "Supporters" of a tax.
Seriously.

They're everywhere:



"Most conservative criticisms about the ill-effects of taxes are exaggerated or untrue. Taxes are in fact good..."
http://governmentisgood.com/articles.php?aid=17


Op-Ed
"Good Reasons for Taxes"
https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/g...ons-for-taxes/



"Why taxes are a good thing"
By Jack Lessenberry
https://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/w...nt?oid=2174958



"10 Big Reasons to Feel Good About Taxes"
(Click here for 96 more everyday reasons)
http://www.taxfairness.ca/en/page/10...od-about-taxes


"How I Know Higher Taxes Would Be Good For The Economy"
https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatsp.../#1fc3dc31987c



"Raising Taxes Is Good for the Economy"
By Adam Eran
https://www.laprogressive.com/raisin...r-the-economy/

[Anti Federalist]

[invisible]

Hopefully now bicycle shops will be smart enough to stop selling that $400 bicycle, and start selling a frame for $300, with the installation of wheels for $100 as a separate transaction. It would be nice to see them not get a penny from their wonderful new tax, since that 26" wheels requirement leaves such a nicely obvious loophole.

[nobody's_hero]

LOL at these people on the West Coast thinking gas taxes are supposed to be to protect the environment. It's always been about revenue. Once they've killed off enough gas guzzlers, who else is gov't gonna turn to for money other than the enviro-nuts?