Support “pay as you drive” legislation before July 9; DON’T sign petitions to undercut Prop 103!

As much as possible, we ride our bikes to get around and commute in town. You’ll see a group of us in our patriotic best out tonight riding around to various galleries for First Friday rather than the standard practice of driving.

But in California, it doesn’t really matter how many miles you drive a year when it comes to car insurance costs–no matter how much less you drive under 12,000 miles a year, you pay the same basic amount as anyone else.

This could change if insurance regulators have their way and the public supports them enough in a face off against a powerful, well funded,  and very profitable insurance industry.

That would mean it’s up to you–and you have until July 9 to post your comments to the state legislature. Of course, constituents matter most, but if you are a resident elsewhere, you can still weigh in with your opinion and support this change in California state regulations.

What are the benefits? According to an article in the LA Times last Saturday June 27, in states which already offer this program, reducing insurance rates from 13%-54% and cars on the road. This benefits everyone–curbing traffic and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While the proposal could go farther according to environmental groups, it’s a step in the right direction while a proposition that the insurance industry is trying to get on the ballot is not. According to a column by Michael Hiltzik in the July 2 issue of the LA Times, “CalFAIR” which is being underwritten by the HUGE Mercury Insurance Group is anything but that–fair for Californians. Beware when those petition gatherers seek you out with misleading information!

Trust me–there’ll be more detail on this here soon!