Rep. Brian Cronin's, D-Boise, mountain biking license plate is one step closer to appearing on the cars of Idahoans after clearing the House Monday.
The plate, which will feature a human figure on a mountain bike on the left side, now heads to the Senate for consideration. The revenue generated when drivers select the plate will be split between the Idaho Transportation Department, which receives a standard $13 for every license plate sold in Idaho, and $22 going to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Cronin said the funds generated will be used to provide maintenance for portions of Idaho's more than 12,000 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Cronin estimates the specialty plate could generate as much $10,000 a year for Parks and Rec for trail upkeep. On the House floor Monday, Cronin noted that the plate project will have no effect on the general fund because the plates are printed upon demand of drivers and not purchased or printed bulk.
The measure was passed on a 49-18 vote. The dissenting votes included one from Rep. Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly, who, in the committee hearing on the plate, said he isn't against mountain biking, but the ever-increasing amount of plates offered by the state.
"I've voted against custom license plates for years and I'm not going to change now," said Roberts in committee. The state offers 40 custom plate designs, which can be seen here.
