Thanks to Vital Communities for this Action Alert!
| URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOW! Proposed New Hampshire Bill Would Require $50 Annual Bicycle Registration For Every Bike! A bill pending in the New Hampshire House would create a $50 annual registration fee for every bicycle, including e-bikes. Public Hearing: Tuesday, January 27 at 11:00 AM, NH Statehouse, Concord NH What HB1703 Would Do: Require annual $50 registration fee for all bicycles, including e-bikes, used on state or municipally funded paths, trails, and roadwaysRequire proof of ownership or authorization from the owner Require parental sign-off for riders under 18 Require riders to either display a registration sticker on the bike or carry the registration certificate while riding Impose a $100 fine for riding an unregistered bicycle They say they will direct registration fees and penalties toward the creation and maintenance of bicycle routes, lanes, paths, and trails but they can’t even estimate the cost to administer the fees or fees expected to be raised Eliminate municipal authority under RSA 265:149 to require local bicycle registration Why This Bill Is Likely to Advance The bill is sponsored by the Chair of the House Transportation Committee, which significantly increases the likelihood that it will receive favorable consideration—unless there is strong public opposition. How to Take Action You can submit your position on HB1703 by completing the online form (click the link in the button below): Select January 27 Choose Transportation Committee Enter HB1703Indicate that you oppose the billYou may also submit written comments or upload testimony |
| Or you can attend the hearing in person: Time: 11:00 AM, January 27 Location: Room 234, Granite Place, Concord You may sign up to testify or simply sign in and indicate why this is so bad for riders and the state. A Few Facts About HB1703 A family of four with four bikes would pay $200 per year, discouraging parents from buying bikes for their children Registration fees and penalties would discourage bicycling, undermining public health, quality of life, and tourism The bill would make New Hampshire far less bike-friendly, harming the state’s tourism economy It would disproportionately affect people who rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, especially those with limited incomes The cost of implementing the registration program may exceed the revenue it generates; the fiscal note states that revenues cannot be determined |
| Thanks for your attention Jacopo Montobbio, Vital Communities jacopo@vitalcommunities.org |
The Mascoma River Greenway 