Late, late, late
- Maryland Bike Symposium
- Brewery looks to open along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Some people's commute just got longer. The next thing we need is a bar that you pedal around town for tours. (Don't worry, the people drinking are driving).
- New Baltimore county bike legislation.
- While drivers may help pay for roads, they do so by not paying for anything else "If I buy a bicycle in Maryland, I pay 6% sales tax and the money goes into the general fund where it pays for education, public safety, the governor's salary, and other state expenses. Cars and gasoline are exempt from the sales tax."
- Revolution bikes seeks advocacy and events coordinator
- UPS turns a new page.
- Public meeting on Tyson's bike plan is next week.
I haven't purchased a car recently, but I think there is a sales tax on the purchase of an automobile.
Posted by: Tom | February 09, 2011 at 12:20 PM
There is not a sales tax, but a "titling fee" which amounts to the same thing, except that it goes only to the transportation fund.
Its the same story for the gas tax, tolls, etc: all the fees charged to cars go only towards motorist-related expenses (mostly roads).
The fees are insufficient, and are made up out of general revenue.
By contrast, every other activity is taxed into the general fund. Ergo, driving is subsidized.
Posted by: SJE | February 09, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Given the vagaries of taxation, and especially considering that other items (such as food) are also likewise not subject to the sales tax, this is a weak argument, at best. We all know that there is some subsidization of driving. But saying it's subsidized because gas isn't subject to the sales tax is like saying farming is subsidized because groceries aren't subject to the sales tax (and for the most part, they aren't in Maryland)...
Posted by: Froggie | February 09, 2011 at 06:46 PM
I would say that food is subsidized, and rightfully so.
Posted by: washcycle | February 09, 2011 at 09:14 PM
@Froggie:
Yes, you are correct--this is an unfair subsidy paid to food-eaters over non- food-eaters.
Posted by: oboe | February 10, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Those pedal pub things are great; I saw them last year in Dusseldorf and Colongne, Germany (called BierBike there). The only thing I wonder, is it a violation of open container laws?
Posted by: Joe | February 10, 2011 at 11:11 AM