Here is why cyclists should be supporting congestion taxes in cities

NYC transit authorities aim to launch a congestion pricing plan in June, charging drivers entering midtown Manhattan to reduce traffic and pollution, while generating funds for public transportation. The plan, the first of its kind in the US, could potentially decrease daily vehicle entries by up to 20%, though it faces legal hurdles following approval by the MTA board on March 27.

It’s not the first city to impose such a measure, and it won’t be the last. London, Stockholm, Singapore and others have also incorporated a similar tax. Most major urban centres are feeling the crush of car culture, and are looking to make changes, and fast.

While some might view this as another imposition on car-driving commuters, cyclists have a unique opportunity to champion this initiative. Indeed, supporting congestion taxes isn’t just about easing traffic; it’s about recognizing the broader benefits for cycling and other forms of active and sustainable transportation.

Leveling the Playing Field

One of the most compelling arguments for cyclists to back congestion taxes lies in the principle of equity. Despite their minimal impact on road wear and emissions and countless benefits they extoll, cyclists often find themselves subject to the same road taxes as motor vehicles through property tax and associated general taxes. This imbalance becomes apparent when considering the massive costs associated with rampant car use. Congestion taxes offer a means to rectify this disparity by levying fees based on usage, thus ensuring that those who contribute most to congestion and pollution bear the brunt of the costs.

Promoting Sustainable Transportation

Cyclists are the unsung heroes of sustainable urban mobility. By pedaling through city streets, they reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and promote public health. Congestion taxes serve as a powerful incentive for individuals to opt for alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, or using public transit. As the cost of driving into congested areas increases, more people are likely to explore these eco-friendly alternatives, thereby creating a more sustainable urban environment for all.

Cody Lyon, for an article on citylimits.com, said it very well when he wrote, “Through no fault our own, most of us assume a sense of entitlement when it comes to the street once we’re behind the wheel of a car. We’re conditioned to believe streets and roads were created solely for the automobile. That thinking has roots in the automobile manufacturer lobby, neglect of public transit systems and myopic car-centric urban planning from the likes of Robert Moses.”

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility

Congestion taxes have the potential to transform urban landscapes by prioritizing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, transit riders and others. With fewer cars jamming the streets, cycling becomes safer and more accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities. Dedicated bike lanes, increased transit, improved infrastructure, and traffic-calming measures can flourish in spaces freed from the grip of automobile-induced congestion. Moreover, reduced traffic volumes contribute to a quieter, less stressful urban environment, making cycling a more attractive option for commuters and recreational riders alike.

Fostering Economic Growth

Contrary to popular belief, congestion taxes can spur economic growth rather than stifle it. By mitigating traffic congestion, businesses benefit from improved accessibility and efficiency in the movement of goods and services. Moreover, investments in cycling infrastructure and public transportation systems create jobs, stimulate local economies, and enhance property values. Cyclists, as active participants in the urban landscape, stand to gain from these positive economic externalities, which contribute to vibrant, livable cities.

“It stands to reason that any congestion prices that would actually discourage people from driving would also raise more revenue. This revenue could be applied to improvements in public and active transportation, making mass transit work better while promoting walking and cycling as alternatives to driving,” writes Urban SDK.

As New York City and other urban centers grapple with the complexities of transportation and sustainability, cyclists have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Embracing congestion taxes isn’t just a matter of pragmatism; it’s a statement of solidarity with the environment, public health, and social equity.