A letter to Councillor McCluskey: I was recently informed that you are seeking advice from city staff regarding a potential licensing scheme for bicycles in Halifax. As a resident, voter, and regular cyclist, I must confess that I see this idea as troubling. Cities around the world are working hard to ensure cycling is accessible as possible. Anything that makes casual riders less likely to choose cycling makes every minute on the road more dangerous for me as a rider. Fewer bikes on the road = decreased awareness of cyclists by drivers = more danger for those who do ride. I'm sure you follow. Most of the email you receive on this topic will be angrily against the idea of a bike license. I am conflicted. I feel that if the city offered me an optional bicycle license for a few dollars I would get one. I would do it just for the sheer pleasure of showing it to every driver who believes that not having a license while riding a bicycle somehow makes me a menace. I am not a menace. I am trying to make my city a better place. One less car on the road, one less polluter, one less step backward. I hope you will reconsider this ill-advised policy direction. —Kris MacLellan