Sudden Bicycle Appearances Cause 'Dizzying' Moments... 5,667 Bicycle Accidents Last Year

68.5% of Safety Obligations Not Followed Causing Incidents
Many Cases of Center Line Invasion and Signal Violations
Drunk Driving Decreased but 148 Cases Last Year

Seoul City Implements Bicycle Traffic Safety Education Certification System
Discount Benefits on Ddareungi for Passers

The photo is not directly related to the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] After the transition to With Corona, office worker Jeong Sang-woo (29), who spends his leisure time riding a bicycle, recently had a thrilling experience near Banpo Hangang Park. While riding at high speed on the bike path, a bicycle coming from the opposite direction overtook him and crossed the center line. In the sudden unexpected situation, he turned the bicycle handlebar to barely avoid a head-on collision but staggered and eventually fell. Jeong said, "I wasn't seriously injured, but I was angry because the other rider did not properly apologize," adding, "It seems like more people are riding bicycles these days, but I am worried because I often see those who do not follow the rules."

According to the Traffic Accident Analysis System (TAAS) of the Korea Road Traffic Authority on the 12th, annual bicycle traffic accidents have been on the rise, with 4,771 cases in 2018, 5,633 in 2019, and 5,667 last year. In just last year alone, 83 people died and 6,150 were injured in bicycle accidents.

Among the bicycle traffic accidents that occurred last year, 3,883 cases (68.5%) were caused by drivers who did not properly observe the duty of safe driving. This was followed by 381 cases of center line violations and 348 cases of signal violations. The number of traffic accidents caused by drunk cycling increased significantly from 48 cases in 2018 to 268 cases in 2019 but decreased to 148 cases last year.

The likelihood of causing bicycle traffic accidents is higher among the elderly. Last year, 25.3% of bicycle accidents were caused by those aged 65 and older. However, the risk of accidents does not disappear even at a younger age, as 18.9% of bicycle traffic accidents were caused by those aged 20 or younger.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been implementing a bicycle traffic safety education certification system to assess riding skills since June this year. It is divided into beginner (ages 9 to under 13) and intermediate (ages 13 and above) levels, and those who complete bicycle safety education, including theory and practical training, can take the test. Intermediate level passers can also receive discounts on Ddareungi bike rentals. The bicycle certification program has been conducted 13 times until October, with 187 applicants and 184 passing. Looking at the certification pass rates by age group, those in their 30s accounted for the largest share at 24.5%, followed by those in their 20s at 16.3%, and those in their 50s at 15.8%. However, participation among those in their 70s was low, at 5.4%, which is even lower than the 9.2% participation rate of those in their 40s.