New Road, Bought and Paid For

We've all heard the road tax argument, right?  The anti-cycling movement has it in their heads that people who ride bikes don't pay road tax.  After a little big of digging around, I've discovered that this faulty notion comes from the United Kingdom, and like typical ignorant Americans tons of people in the States have taken up the lament without even knowing what they're talking about.  For information on the British taxation system check out The Green Living Blog.  Turns out, the British cyclists pay for roads too.  Ha!  Here in the States, there is no such thing as a road tax.  There's nothing remotely like a road tax either (unlike the British Vehicle Excise Duty that confuses the drivers across the pond).

This point was driven home the other morning when I was jarred from my repose to the sound of slamming equipment, shouts, and idling construction vehicles.  No, I did not think to myself, "Well, at least I'm not paying for this disturbance like all those other suckers on my street!"  Certainly not.  No, just like everyone else, my husband and I had to fork out an extra $350 just to have our street resurfaced.  As a new homeowner, I'm still a bit perplexed why that sort of thing isn't already included in our property tax, but whatever.  Admittedly, its a huge improvement over the pothole ridden roadway I've been rattling over the past year, but it stings a little to hand even more money over to the city.

It sure is puuurty.

Now, if you're lucky enough to live someplace besides Akron, the private, local streets are paid for by the general fund.  The general fund gets its dough from local, property, and sales tax.  No matter what means of transportation people take to work, we all pay these taxes.

What about those vehicle licensing fees, tolls, and gasoline tax, aren't those road taxes?  Not really.  In fact, those funds only go towards public roads- highways and freeways. But, even all of that doesn't cover the cost of those roads and the difference is made up by, you guessed it, the general fund.  Oh, and since most cyclists still own at least one car anyway, they pay these fees along with everyone else.

So, it could be argued that we are actually paying for drivers!  Lets face it, most of the road maintenance is patching up the damage the cars do.  Have you ever seen what the asphalt looks like at an intersection at the base of a hill?  I'm pretty sure the bicycles aren't causing those deep grooves!  I know I had nothing to do with those giant ruts and holes on my street.  Yet, I'm paying to fix it!  Three hundred and fifty dollars extra!

At least I don't need to get my bike E-Checked; who knows what those fees pay for.

Ummmm...what?

For more information on how we pay for our roads in Merica, check out this article from Grist and this one from Seattlepi.com.