Bike Group Opposes Registration Bill

PHILADELPHIA - Concerns over problem bicyclists have drawn action from Philadelphia city councilman Frank DiCicco.

He's introducing legislation Thursday to require bicycle registration in the city.

Dicicco says it will protect pedestrians. He claims registration will help police identify cyclists who break the law.

Bicyclists recently ran over and killed two people.

But the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia opposes that idea.

"Among other issues, we are concerned about the potential for a registration program to discourage riders, impose financial disincentives, and expose the City to numerous legal issues," a statement from the coalition says, noting that other cities and states have passed and then repealed registration and licensing programs.

Instead, the group is promoting "equitable and consistent enforcement of traffic laws as they apply to all road users," stating that it's willing to work with city officials and police on safety, education and enforcement programs before council raises penalties, requires mandatory registration and puts other restrictions in place.