Ineffective 'Ddarungi' One-Year Ban... No System to Filter Out Drunk Cyclists

Bicycle Drunk Driving Doubled in 3 Years
30,000 Won Fine... Low Penalty Level Also a Problem

The number of bicycle DUI cases, which was 539 in 2019, increased to 715 in 2021 and 996 last year, showing a sharp rise in recent years. However, there are concerns that the Seoul public bicycle system, Ddareungi, is unable to identify users who ride under the influence. The photo shows a Ddareungi bicycle rental station in Seoul on the night of the 19th. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

It has been confirmed that Seoul's public bicycle system, 'Ddareungi,' does not have a system to filter out cyclists who ride under the influence of alcohol. The regulation that prohibits using Ddareungi for one year if caught riding while intoxicated has effectively become meaningless. As the number of bicycle DUI cases rapidly increases, there are calls for measures such as sharing information between the police and regarding bicycle DUI status.

According to a comprehensive report by Asia Economy on the 22nd, Seoul does not separately identify intoxicated riders among Ddareungi users. The Ddareungi terms of use stipulate that if a user rides while having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or higher, their usage rights will be suspended for one year.

However, since there is no system to share information with the police about bicycle DUI offenders, this does not lead to practical suspensions or other separate measures. Even if caught by the police for bicycle DUI, users can continue to use Ddareungi. A Seoul city official said, "There is a system that can suspend Ddareungi usage, but no separate system has been established specifically for intoxicated riders," adding, "We do not receive information from the police, so we do not know if bicycle DUI offenders are using Ddareungi."

Bicycle DUI cases continue to rise. According to the National Police Agency, the number of bicycle DUI detections increased from 539 cases in 2019 to 715 in 2021, and 996 last year, nearly doubling in three years. Considering that bicycle DUI enforcement is irregular and it is difficult to designate enforcement locations, it is estimated that even more bicycle users engage in DUI. The number of Ddareungi rentals surged from 18 million in 2019 to 28.5 million in 2021. As the number of bicycle users increases, more riders are inevitably exposed to accidents.

Seoul is conducting education and campaigns related to bicycle DUI. Last year, 299 million KRW and this year 300 million KRW were allocated for bicycle education budgets. When using Ddareungi late at night, a notice saying "No DUI" appears, but there are no direct measures to prevent DUI. Related laws are also insufficient. Even if caught riding a bicycle under the influence, the fine is only 30,000 KRW. Since bicycles are a mode of transportation that can be used without a license, unlike cars, criminal punishment is difficult. Criminal procedures only proceed if the imposed fine is not paid or if a DUI bicycle rider causes an accident involving a pedestrian. In the case of an accident with a pedestrian, the offender may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

A Seoul city official said, "Bicycle DUI records are sensitive personal information, so consultation with the police is necessary," and added, "We will consult with the police to share information on bicycle DUI offenders and establish systems and measures that can effectively prevent DUI."