5,663 Bicycle-Related Traffic Accidents Last Year... 18.1% Increase Compared to Previous Year

Highest Occurrence in June

Source: Korea Road Traffic Authority

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Last year, bicycle traffic accidents increased by 18% compared to the previous year, prompting the Korea Road Traffic Authority to urge special caution.

According to the Traffic Accident Analysis System (TAAS) of the Korea Road Traffic Authority on the 12th, the number of 'bicycle driver-caused traffic accidents' causing harm to others while riding a bicycle totaled 5,663 last year, an 18.1% increase compared to 4,771 cases in 2018. The number of fatalities last year was 79.

Analyzing 16,063 bicycle driver-caused traffic accidents that occurred over the past three years (2017?2019) by month, June recorded the highest number with 1,959 cases (12.2%). This was followed by May and September with 1,744 cases each (10.9%), and October with 1,716 cases (10.7%). This is interpreted as due to increased bicycle use as the weather warms.

To use bicycles safely, it is fundamental to thoroughly check safety before departure, wear appropriate safety gear, and operate according to relevant laws and regulations. Before departure, adjust the saddle, handlebars, and pedals to fit your body, and inspect the chain, brakes, and tires for any abnormalities. When riding at night, turn on the front and rear lights and wear bright-colored clothing whenever possible.

While riding, it is preferable to use bicycle lanes, and where there are no bicycle lanes, the principle is to travel along the rightmost edge of the road. If there is a bus-only lane, use the rightmost lane excluding the bus-only lane. When changing direction or lanes, signal with your hand and comply with the speed limits marked on the road surface.

When using a bicycle on the roadway, extra caution is required at intersections. From 30 meters before entering an intersection, signal your intended direction with hand signals, reduce speed, and pass through carefully. When turning left, proceed straight according to the straight signal, then go straight again at the next signal. At intersections without traffic lights, check left and right safety, pay attention to surrounding vehicles, and make a wide turn.

Drunk riding is prohibited. Riding a bicycle under the influence significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents due to distraction, slowed reflexes, and carelessness. If caught riding a bicycle under the influence, one may be fined up to 200,000 KRW, detained, or penalized.

A representative of the Korea Road Traffic Authority stated, “As the season is good for outdoor activities, bicycle use is expected to increase, leading to more traffic accidents,” and emphasized, “To prevent bicycle traffic accidents, it is necessary to follow proper safety rules and traffic regulations when riding a bicycle.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.