Seoul to Restrict Operation of 'Fixie' Bicycles

Seoul Reviews and Approves Ordinance and Rule Promulgation Proposals

Enhanced Safety Measures for Bicycles Without Brakes

Expanded Support for Long-Term Lease Housing in Station Areas

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has imposed restrictions on the operation of 'fixed-gear bicycles' (commonly known as fixies) without braking devices and has newly established a legal basis for compensation related to public bicycles.

On the 13th, Seoul announced on the 18th that it had convened the 6th Ordinance and Rule Review Committee meeting, where it reviewed and approved a set of ordinance and rule promulgation proposals, including restrictions on the operation of fixie bicycles. The ordinances being promulgated this time consist of 21 items (1 newly established, 20 amended), and the rules consist of 12 items (3 newly established, 9 amended). The ordinances will be promulgated on this day, and the rules will be promulgated on the 1st of next month.

Teenagers riding fixed-gear bicycles. Not directly related to the article. YouTube

First, regulations on fixie bicycles have been strengthened in the field of traffic and safety. Seoul has amended the 'Ordinance on the Promotion of Safety for the Use of Fixed-Gear Bicycles Without Braking Devices' to enable restrictions on the operation of fixie bikes without brakes in designated locations.

'Fixie' is short for 'fixed-gear bike,' which refers to bicycles, often used for track cycling, that are equipped with only a single gear. Recently, there has been a trend among teenagers of riding fixies without brakes, leading to a series of safety accidents. Last August, the National Police Agency released a legal review stating that fixed-gear bicycles could be considered 'vehicles' under the Road Traffic Act. The agency also announced plans for crackdowns, noting that failing to operate the braking device properly would constitute a violation of the law.

The 'Ordinance on the Promotion of Bicycle Use' now includes a new legal basis allowing the provision of vouchers or equivalent compensation in the event of inconvenience during the use of public bicycles.

This amendment also includes institutional improvements aimed at expanding housing supply and revitalizing redevelopment projects. The partial amendment to the 'Ordinance on the Provision and Support of Long-Term Lease Housing in Station Areas' changes the scope of support recipients from the previous 'station area' to 'station area, etc.' The detailed types of 'station area, etc.' are defined as 'station area' and 'arterial road intersection area.'

The amendment to the 'Ordinance on the Promotion of Mobility Convenience for Transportation-Vulnerable Persons' mandates that a user satisfaction survey for special transportation means or related operation services be conducted once a year. In addition, some public parking lots and public facilities established by Seoul will be secured as dedicated waiting areas for special transportation means or made available for free use.

In the field of welfare, measures to support pregnant women and marriage immigrants have been included. With the amendment to the 'Ordinance on Support for Childbirth and Childrearing,' marriage immigrants are now also eligible for transportation cost support for pregnant women, and a legal basis has been established for providing counseling and educational support for prenatal and postpartum depression. The ordinance on the promotion of mobility convenience for transportation-vulnerable people includes the obligation to conduct satisfaction surveys for users of special transportation means and the securing of dedicated waiting spaces.

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