"Middle Schoolers' Dangerous Fixie Riding... No Neglect Charges for Parents"

The case that raised the possibility of parents being punished over dangerous riding of brakeless "fixed-gear bicycles" (fixies) has ended with no charges. It has been determined that, under current laws, it is difficult to punish either guardians or minors, and there are calls for improvements to the system.

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

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According to Yonhap News Agency on April 20, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon announced that it had closed the investigation without charging guardians A and B, the parents of two middle school students, who had been investigated on suspicion of neglect under the Child Welfare Act.

Their children were caught by the police after causing a disturbance while riding fixed-gear bicycles dangerously on a road in Namdong-gu, Incheon, around 1 a.m. on March 18.

Among the group of seven riding bicycles together at the time, the police focused on whether to apply neglect charges to the parents of two middle school students who had repeatedly engaged in dangerous riding in the past. Under the Child Welfare Act, neglect is established when a guardian fails to provide basic care or protection.

This case drew attention as it raised the possibility of being the first instance where a guardian could be punished in relation to dangerous riding of fixed-gear bicycles. Previously, the National Police Agency had also stated that, despite repeated warnings, if parents do not take appropriate measures, neglect charges could be applicable.

However, the police determined that this case did not constitute "failure to fulfill parental obligations" as defined by law. They also concluded that it would not be easy to punish the minors. The police reviewed whether to apply a violation of the Road Traffic Act for operating a bicycle without brakes, but determined it was difficult to do so because it could not be proven that actual danger or harm was caused to others.

The current Road Traffic Act stipulates that drivers must operate vehicles in a way that properly controls braking devices and does not endanger others. However, the police noted that punishing someone solely for lacking brakes has its limitations.

A police official stated, "It is difficult to impose punishment merely for operating a bicycle without brakes, unless it is proven that actual danger or harm was caused to others," adding, "There is a need to improve the relevant regulations and the overall system."

Meanwhile, according to a survey by the Korea Consumer Agency, a significant number of fixed-gear bicycles sold on the market are distributed without proper braking devices. Of the 20 models surveyed, 55% had only a front brake, and 20% had no brakes at all.

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