HomeMy WebLinkAboutBicycling Public Comment from Chad Groth, 9-18-14 September 12, 2014
Bozeman City Commission
121 North Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Commissioners,
After reading articles in the Chronicle regarding adding more bike lanes and markings to
the city streets and the cost involved I am prompted to make the following suggestion.
Why couldn't bikes used in the city of Bozeman be licensed? This was done in the 50's
and I could see a number of advantages. Just as a license on a car helps identify it so would
the bike license identify the owner. Judging by the number of bikes auctioned each year,
licensing would help identify and notify an owner of a missing or stolen bike. I think a lot of
the stolen bikes are just used to get from point A to point B and then left. A fee for licensing
would in some way help defray the cost of bike lanes and signage with some of the costs being
paid for by the bikers using the lanes. Licensing could help in identifying reckless or traffic law
breaking riders.
In the 50's you took your bike to the police station on a certain day and the serial
number, make, style and color was recorded along with your name address and phone. An
officer then attached a metal license to the frame with a tamper proof band. If i remember
the cost at that time was $1. 1 never heard of any one being ticketed for not having a license,
but I did have some friends who Officer Haas strongly suggested they get a license.
I don't ride any more but still have my bike from the 50's with the Bozeman license
attached. (See photo)
Thanks for considering this suggestion from an old time Bozemanite.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Groth
701 S. Willson
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