Tax laws often reflect "social engineering" to encourage or discourage certain behaviors. Think of economic incentives offered to attract businesses or creation of targeted job types to a region, or "sin" taxes on items which may have health implications for individuals.
In the business world, and when parenting or in a teaching environment, messages need to be clear and crisp. Model a certain behavior and the reward will be this or the consequence will be that.
It is therefore curious to see an Active Commute Celebration this Wednesday on Virginia Tech's sustainability initiatives to help faculty, staff, and students find more affordable commuting methods on the one hand, and restrictive scooter and moped policies on the other hand.
As the VT press release states, "With environmental issues at the forefront and people cringing at the numbers at the pumps, alternative transportation is beginning to play a more important role in people’s lives."
So why a disincentive for folks who are trying to incorporate alternative transportation into their daily or weekly schedules by charging additional fees and requiring these souped up bicycles to be kept in regular parking lots?
Review, too, other recent related posts on commuter surveys and public transportation options currently available in the NRV -- and one sees a long road to travel before this region can seriously claim to be making headway on reducing our carbon footprint or transportation related costs.