I have been a rider for about three years now and commuting for about 6 months. Here in Ohio bike commuting is not a major form of transportation but like elsewhere as fuel cost hover around $4/ gallon more people are giving it a go. While there are traffic laws on the books which affect cyclists there is no means of insuring cyclist know what those laws are. I see few cyclists signal, many do not stop at stop signs (fewer do not stop at lights) and in general many seem ignorant of just what is expected of them. I was wondering what the opinion of the commuters on this forum would be to having states issue a cycling license for those riders who would be riding on main thoroughfares. It would not be required for those riders on residential streets or on multi use paths. It would mean that the riders you see on the road understand the laws concerning cycling, signaling, safety, basic maintenance etc. The modest fee to get the license would mean the old argument "cyclist don't help pay for the roads so they shouldn't be allowed to use them would not be valid anymore and may insure a safer riding experience. I think it would also give us validity on the roadways (if you have a license its hard to argue you shouldn't be on the road). The downside is the government being involved in another aspect of your life and of course the cost of the license. I just wanted some opinion.