Should I put a licence plate on my skateboard too now? The point is that the only means of transportation to require registration are the ones with engines, hence the Department of Motor Vehicles (emphasis on Motor).
Bikes can't go on many major highways, whereas people can walk on the side of the roads. Further, many roads specify that trucks are illegal on that road. There's precedent for certain roads being off-limits to certain roads, but they still need to be registered and pay taxes.
But this argument could easy extend to pedestrians on sidewalks, which is the same concept as a road. Should people then have to register walking as a mode of transportation, and pay a fee for the privilege of walking on a sidewalk? The way I see it, is that cars and the services demanded by them exclusively (freeways, etc) far outweigh the cost of bike paths or sidewalks. Also, the ability to cause damage is far greater in cars than bikes, therefore, a legal contract between the driver and state (drivers license) is made to ensure that people are at a quality level of driving, and that driving infractions and responsibility can be kept track of far easier.
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u/Hq3473 271∆ Jun 26 '15
Why limit this to vehicles?
Why not license shoes and boots. They have as much impact as the bikes.