Republican State Senator John Putney of Gladbrook has proposed a bill (SF 2006)requiring bicyclists to have a license to use state and county highways. In an attempt to find more funding for these roadways, Putney would require bicyclists to pay a $10 fee for a five year license for the privilege to bicycle on county and state highways. His proposal does not require a bicyclist to be tested for skill or their understanding of state laws, but would put fees into the highway use tax fund.
The license is not required for riding bikes in municipal roads or bike paths or for riding in parades or RAGBRAI.The license would include the licensee's name, date of birth, address, signature, date the license was issued, and license number.
The law calls for a fine of $10 if a rider is pulled over by the county or state police for riding without a bike license and can be revoked.
If the money were earmarked specifically for improving state roadways for bicyclists, it might be a positive move, however, it is not at all clear that is Putney's intent. However it could be potentially impossible to enforce particularly when state highways run through municipal areas. For instance Burlington St./Hwy 1 runs right through downtown Iowa City, I can't imagine that pulling over bicyclists will be high on either the county sheriff's or state patrol's radar.
For the record, Putney is not seeking re-election.
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