Startled by a Suddenly Appearing Bicycle... 'Nighttime Bicycles' Threatening Safety

20,7348 Bicycle-Related Traffic Accidents Over 5 Years
Enforcement Difficult, Penalties Remain at Fine Level Even When Caught

Kim Kyung-won (31), who lives in Seocho-gu, Seoul, recently breathed a sigh of relief. While driving on a street lit by streetlights at night, he nearly collided with a bicycle that suddenly appeared in front of a crosswalk. Fortunately, the accident was avoided, but if he had noticed the cyclist even a moment later, it could have led to a serious accident. Kim said, "The streetlights were not very bright on that dark night, and the cyclist was wearing dark-colored outerwear," adding, "Although I avoided the accident by spotting them late, I still feel anxious whenever I see cyclists riding at night without any lights."

Citizens are riding bicycles along Sukreong-gil at Songhyeon Square, Jongno, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

As many people are taking to bicycles in the cool weather, incidents caused by 'nighttime cyclists' riding without lights are also on the rise. Experts advise that it is crucial to attach headlights to bicycles at night and wear clothing that makes the rider visible to ensure pedestrians and drivers can identify them from a safe distance.

According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority, there were a total of 27,348 bicycle-related traffic accidents caused by cyclists over the past five years (2019?2023), averaging about 15 incidents per day. During the same period, the number of fatalities reached 387, with more than 77 deaths annually. The number of accidents and fatalities gradually decreased from January to March, when outdoor activities are less frequent, but increased again in September and October as the weather cooled. A representative from the Korea Road Traffic Authority explained, "Bicycle traffic accidents decrease during the hot months of July and August but begin to rise again in September and October as the weather cools. The fatality rate is especially high at night when visibility is poor."

Under the current Road Traffic Act, cyclists are required to turn on headlights and tail lights or wear luminous bands or other light-emitting devices when riding on roads at night. Violators face a traffic fine of 10,000 won. However, enforcement is difficult in practice, and the fine is minimal, so many cyclists do not purchase or attach headlights. Choi Kyowon (29), an active member of a cycling club, said, "Club members tend to be very interested in traffic laws and bicycle equipment, so they always attach headlights and wear helmets during night rides. However, casual riders who are not professionally involved seem to feel no need to buy headlights or wear helmets."

Experts emphasize the importance of turning on headlights and wearing bright-colored clothing when cycling on roads at night. Choi Jaewon, a professor at the Korea Road Traffic Authority, stated, "According to research, the recognition distance when wearing dark-colored clothing at night is about 10 meters, but it increases to 120 meters when wearing luminous reflectors. It is important to ensure that pedestrians and vehicle drivers can identify cyclists from a safe distance during night rides. Turning on headlights, attaching red flashing lights at the rear, and wearing clothing with luminous reflectors are all beneficial for everyone's safety."