I didn't know where to put this but I figured this would be a good start and the administrator/moderator can move it to wherever it fits in.
Anyway ABATE of Indiana, along with State Senator Ron Alting from Logansport, IN are pushing for licensing/registration of motorized bicycles here in Indiana in the 2009 General Assembly. The reasons given by the ABATE State LINC (Legislative Information Network Committee) Director Mike Meyer include the fact that it would be "helpful" if they were registered. He also said that "registration would help identify the statistics of motorcycle crashes and fatalities in the State of Indiana...and would also contribute to the State's motorcycle safety education funding."
Although I am a 31 year member of ABATE of Indiana I am adamantly opposed to any changes in Indiana's motorized bicycle law. First, these are the last form of "free" transporation here in Indiana (other than a bicycle or riding a horse). There are those who depend on these motorized bicycles (whether bicycles with added motors, mopeds, small scooters or other vehicles which fall under Indiana's definition of a motorized bicycle) because their financial situation is such that they cannot afford any other form of personal transportation. There are also those who for whatever reason either cannot or will not get a driver's license and again for these folks their motorized bicycle is their only way to get around.
Arguements in favor of licensing and registration of motorized bicycles include that they should have to pay their "fair share." For most users of these vehicles who depend on them for personal transporation they live on the edge of a hand-to-mouth existence. Just the purchase, upkeep and gasoline for these bikes leave them with little extra to spend. Adding the expense of licensing and registration may be what keeps them from buying and riding one--which may in turn lead to them unable to get to their job(s) and which might even put them on the public assistance rolls. While getting a license plate, etc. may not seem like much of a big deal when you're already working two jobs and going to school finding the time to go to the BMV again becomes a choice of going there or to work. Any income that the State would derive from such registrations would be negligable because of motorized bicycle's low value and since many would abandon their use of these vehicles in the face of madatory registration there would not be enough income to justify the paperwork and manpower required for such a registration program.
If you share my opposition to Sen. Alting's proposal and ABATE of Indiana's support of such legislation contact Sen. Alting by email via a link on his web site:
http://www.in.gov/s22ABATE's Executive Director Jay Jackso can be reached at:
jay@abateonline.orgAlthough most of us are fortunate enough to have the money to ride motorcycles or drive automobiles there are those among us who don't share these luxuries. All of us are but a personal financial tragedy away from not having the money to own and afford bikes and cars. Think of how you might have to get around if suddenly your financial situation was cut to virtually nothing. How would you pay for insurance, license plates, or even gas to operate your vehicles? This is why motorized bicycles are so important for those who depend on them to get around. They already suffer by having to ride them in all kinds of weather fighting traffic made dangerous for them by their slow speed. Let's not impose any further burden on those who can barely afford to get around as it is.
Tim W.
Author