Time for area bicyclists to pay their fair share

For the buckets of money spent on appeasing bicyclists around Cedar Rapids, I personally think it's time they anted up. When I was a lad (circa 1957), I had to license my bike and have it inspected (bell/horn, reflectors, handle grips, etc.) by an officer and ride an obstacle course. Cost: $2. I had to mow eight lawns to get that $2. Maybe it's time again to resurrect the license program with an inflation adjustment equal to mowing eight lawns. Call it the TrailTax or the BikeLane Tax or the Downtown Fiasco Tax.

Speaking of bikes. Do you suppose bikers in the upcoming downtown bike program need a motorcycle stipulation on their driver's license? Those units zip right along. Please contact your Council members with your thoughts. Have a grand day but watch out for the bicyclists.

Tom Godfrey

Cedar Rapids