The truth is that we do pay for roads and at a level that is commensurate with the amount of wear we are responsible for.
Gas and use taxes do not cover the cost of building and maintaining highways. I posted a link earlier that shows how much of each state's use fees/fuel taxes cover. In total it's about 50%. Much of the other 50% comes from the general fund that my income taxes go to. County and local roads are funded heavily through property taxes and ad valorem taxes.
And I just posted how my state funds it's roads, including county and city. No where NEAR 50% is from the general fund.
And how much of the road funds are diverted off for bike paths? In the metro area it's 12% of the road budget. How much do bicyclist's fees and taxes pay for that? Zero.
COUNTY ROAD FUNDS REVENUES July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE Property Taxes $13,533,417 County General Fund $53,794,559 Local Vehicle Registration & Gasoline Taxes $28,026,555 Interest Income $18,533,887 Development Fees $16,087,722 Other Local Receipts $35,614,270 Bond & Note Proceeds $7,469,649 $173,060,059
