Nowon-gu, Free Bicycle Classes Offered

Published 05 Feb.2020 07:48(KST)

Free Bicycle Training for Residents Aged 14 and Over at Nokcheon Bridge Bicycle Training Center... 8 Sessions of Systematic Instruction by Professional Instructors Covering Traffic Rules to Bicycle Riding

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is recruiting students for a 'Free Bicycle Class' to promote bicycle use that protects health and the environment.

The program targets teenagers aged 14 and older and adults who missed the opportunity to learn how to ride a bicycle. The training location is the bicycle training center under Nokcheon Bridge on Jungnangcheon Stream. The classes run continuously from March to November, excluding the hot summer month of August, with four certified professional instructors providing thorough lessons for 2 hours a day over 8 sessions.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis each month at the beginning of the month through the district office website (www.nowon.kr) for the following month's training participants. The capacity is 40 people each for weekday classes (Monday, Tuesday) and weekend classes (Saturday, Sunday).

Students learn bicycle theory and traffic regulations using bicycles and protective gear provided at the training center. The class concludes with a 10 km round-trip ride.

The district has been subscribing to bicycle insurance since 2015 to ensure residents can enjoy cycling safely. Up to last year, insurance payments totaling 1.06 billion KRW were made to 1,480 residents who experienced bicycle accidents.

Bicycles have become a popular mode of transportation as interest in the environment grows. Seoul's shared bicycle system 'Ddareungi,' launched in 2015, has ranked first place in Seoul's Top 10 News for three consecutive years, reflecting strong public support.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "Bicycles, powered by the human heart and legs, are the most eco-friendly mode of transportation invented by humans," adding, "We will strive to promote bicycle culture that helps save transportation costs, protect the environment, and improve health."