LETTER: Plan to encourage bike ridership
The state's roads are under pressure by the wear and tear from the heavy volume of cars and trucks. This pressure could be eased by providing gas tax credits to modes of transportation, such as bicycles, that put no stress on roadways. A bicycle, including its rider, usually weighs under 200 pounds, a fraction of the tonnage of cars and SUVs.
Under this plan, bicyclists would be issued a credit-type card by the Department of Revenue which would provide the user a discount at the gas pump on a portion of the state gasoline tax. The amount of the credit would be based on the number of miles ridden up to a maximum amount. With modern cycling computers, the mileage could be validated periodically at convenient locations.
More people, especially the owners of large gas-guzzling vehicles, would be encouraged to consider using a bicycle for some of their transportation needs. It would also help fight the state's obesity epidemic by encouraging more people to save on their gas bill by becoming more active.
I would encourage the governor and the state's elected officials to start work on this plan. It is a great way for citizens to become involved in helping our roads.
Rich Nelson
Aiken
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