So, I've read a few posts where people are all excited about having "finally gotten their license to ride a bike". WTF? Sure, the USA Cycling site is difficult to navigate, but I couldn't find anything about having to be licensed to ride a bike. Or how to go about getting a lincense for that matter.
I have heard over the years that you are supposed to have a license to ride a bike ( issued by police dept , dept motor vehicles , not really sure ). never seen this enforced . I just got a ticket on my bicycle and the officer did not ask for or say anything about a bicycle license . just asked for drivers license or I.D.
There are very few places where you still need to register a bicycle or get it licensed to ride it, and it is more of a money making bit than anything. What you are seeing people refer to is most likely their USA Cycling race license. In order to compete in races and move up in the ranks and through different categories you need to get an annual race license from USA Cycling.