waterloowarrior
Senior Member
Converting a car commuter to a bike commuter is a significant net financial gain for the city. In addition, administration costs for a bicycle licensing service would be huge.
I'm not sure what the numbers are in Toronto, but Ottawa did a study looking at the costs for its transportation master plan
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/trc/2010/04-07/02-ACS2010-CCS-TRC-0006.htm
The total public (government and societal) cost per passenger trip, including construction, maintenance, land value, enforcement, unaccounted accidents, air, noise and water pollution are:
Car driver: $2.50
Transit user: $1.76
Cyclist: $0.24
Pedestrian: $0.10