Overview
- House Bill 1703 would require annual DMV registration for all bicycles and e-bikes used on public ways, set a $50 fee, and allow $100 fines for violations.
- Nearly 14,000 people registered opposition on the House website versus 39 in support as the House Transportation Committee took testimony Tuesday.
- Rep. Tom Walsh called the measure flawed, described the $50 as a placeholder, cited unintended coverage such as children’s bikes, and said he does not expect it to move forward.
- Testimony raised equity and displacement concerns, with residents saying they would ride in neighboring Massachusetts rather than pay, and officials warning ownership tracking would be difficult.
- Trail officials reported roughly 320 miles of state-owned rail trails funded by ATV and snowmobile registrations, grants, and donations, as lawmakers weigh broader transportation funding options including toll increases.