Replacement and Installation of 329 Bicycle Racks at 6 Locations Near Stations... Improvement of Urban Aesthetics with Self-Developed Design and Sculptural Racks... Plan to Replace 302 Bicycle Racks with Capacity for Over 2,000 Bikes at 9 Subway Stations by Late This Year
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) has completed the maintenance of bicycle racks around Sanggye Station, dramatically improving the urban landscape and bicycle usage environment.
The existing bicycle racks around Sanggye Station were severely deteriorated with rust, and the number of racks was insufficient, resulting in many bicycles being left on sidewalks or parked disorderly in more than two rows.
This exacerbated congestion around Sanggye Station, where pedestrian traffic is heavy, and residents' complaints have been continuously raised.
To address this, the district established a plan to improve bicycle racks around Sanggye Station in December last year and began maintenance. By replacing racks at six locations around the station and creating a new bicycle parking lot, the area has been transformed into a neat street where bicycles and pedestrians can coexist. The number of bicycle racks increased from 256 to 329, an increase of 73 racks.
First, instead of the old bicycle racks in front of Samchang Plaza Apartments, a container-type "Sanggye Station Bicycle Parking Lot" (54㎡) was newly established. Applying the public design guidelines, the bicycle parking lot features a clean exterior design and can accommodate a total of 106 bicycles.
Inside the parking lot, a self-developed standing-type rack was installed to increase bicycle parking efficiency, improving both convenience and aesthetics. CCTV was also installed to prevent theft and fire.
Near the sunken area of Danghyeoncheon at Sanggye Station, a sculptural bicycle rack was created. The idea of combining bicycle racks with artistic sculptures that enhance urban design draws attention. About 80 bicycles can be parked here.
Additionally, the district is conducting maintenance work on 302 bicycle racks with a capacity for about 2,000 bicycles around nine subway stations with many bicycle users, including Junggye Station, Taereung Entrance Station, and Seokgye Station. The replacement work is scheduled to be completed in the second half of this year.
Meanwhile, as the number of residents using bicycles gradually increases, the district has been enrolling all residents in bicycle insurance annually since 2015.
Residents registered in the district are automatically enrolled and can receive compensation up to 10 million KRW in case of an accident. Residents from other areas who use Nowon-gu public bicycles are also covered by the insurance if an accident occurs.
Furthermore, the district is promoting safe and comfortable bicycle use through various policies such as collecting abandoned bicycles, maintaining bicycle roads, and installing additional bicycle air pumps.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "Bicycles, as an eco-friendly means of transportation and a popular leisure sport, are continuously encouraged for environmental protection and health promotion," adding, "We will do our best to create streets that satisfy both cyclists and pedestrians."
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