A proposal that would require New Hampshire bike and e-bike owners to pay an annual $50 registration fee has met stiff resistance. And now even the bill’s lead sponsor is acknowledging it is facing an uphill climb.
According to a report on NHPR.org, Thomas Walsh, a Republican representative from Hooksett who is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, is the bill’s lead sponsor. He said this week he may now have to dramatically change his proposal.
“I’m getting beaten up pretty bad,” Walsh told NHPR.
Walsh reportedly proposed the bill to help address a $400 million funding gap in the state’s 10-year highway plan. The bill—listed as HB1703—would establish a registration fee for bicycles and electric bicycles using state or municipally-funded bike paths, trails, or roadways, and it would impose penalties for non-compliance.
However, the plan has drawn heat from many throughout the state, most notably cycling advocates.
In a letter earlier this month, officials with the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) and its nine chapters across New Hampshire urged legislators to oppose the bill. The letter said the bill was unnecessary and would undermine the “significant health, transportation and tourism benefits biking brings to New Hampshire.”
They said the bill would create confusion for visitors who come to New Hampshire specifically to ride the state’s trails. They said it would also negatively impact residents who rely on bicycles, specifically people living with disabilities, lower-income residents who cannot afford a vehicle, older adults, and youth.
The NEMBA letter stated that no U.S. state currently requires bicycle or e-bike registration. However, Hawaii does require the registration and licensing of all bicycles with a wheel diameter of 20 inches or more. Bicycles in Hawaii are charged a $15 registration fee, and e-bikes are charged a $30 registration fee.
Hawaii is currently the only state that requires bicycle registration.
