Danielle Ahearn

Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1703. HB1703 would impose unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on New Hampshire residents while actively discouraging bicycling—an activity that supports public health, economic vitality, and quality of life across our state. Under this bill, a family of four with four bicycles would be required to pay approximately $200 per year simply to allow their children to ride bikes. This cost is excessive and unreasonable. For many families, especially those already managing rising costs of living, this fee would discourage parents from purchasing bicycles for their children at all. Bicycling should be an accessible, affordable activity—not one gated by annual registration fees and penalties. Additionally, the proposed registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms would have a chilling effect on bicycling statewide. Fewer people riding bikes means poorer public health outcomes, reduced community engagement, and a diminished quality of life. New Hampshire should be encouraging active transportation and outdoor recreation, not erecting barriers that deter participation. The bill would also make New Hampshire significantly less bike-friendly compared to neighboring states. Our state benefits from bicycle tourism, with visitors drawn to our scenic roads, trails, and small towns. Creating a hostile regulatory environment for cyclists sends the wrong message and risks harming a tourism economy that relies on being welcoming, accessible, and recreation-friendly. Perhaps most concerning, HB1703 would disproportionately impact individuals who rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. For residents with limited incomes, students, and those without access to a vehicle, bicycles are not a luxury—they are a necessity. Imposing registration fees and penalties on this population functions as a regressive policy that punishes people for choosing, or needing, a low-cost and environmentally responsible mode of transportation. New Hampshire has long valued independence, personal responsibility, and access to the outdoors. HB1703 runs counter to those values. Rather than penalizing bicyclists, the state should focus on policies that promote safety, accessibility, and healthy communities. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to oppose HB1703. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Danielle Ahearn Springfield, NH