New Life for Abandoned Bicycles: Songpa District Expands Recycled Bicycle Donation Project

Over 200 Bicycles to Be Donated This Year
Strengthening Environmental Protection and Resident Safety

Songpa District in Seoul (District Mayor Seo Gangseok) is expanding its "Recycled Bicycle Donation Project," which involves collecting abandoned bicycles, refurbishing them to look like new, and donating them to low-income households and schools.

An expert from the Songpa-gu Bicycle Repair Center is refurbishing the collected abandoned bicycles. Provided by Songpa-gu.

Abandoned bicycles often rust and become damaged, not only harming the cityscape but also causing inconvenience to pedestrians and posing safety risks to residents due to illegal parking in unauthorized areas. In response, the district has annually conducted a project in which bicycles left unattended on roadsides and other locations for extended periods are collected in accordance with administrative procedures. Bicycles that can be repaired are selected, refurbished, and then donated to neighbors in need.

Bicycles personally refurbished by experts at the Songpa District Bicycle Repair Center are delivered to low-income households and schools within the district. Residents in need of a bicycle can apply at their local community center.

Last year, Songpa District collected a total of 2,391 abandoned bicycles, achieving the highest record among all districts in Seoul. Of these, 103 bicycles were repaired and delivered to families and organizations in need. In the first half of this year, 75 bicycles were refurbished and donated. In the second half, the district plans to increase its donation target to more than 130 bicycles, aiming to provide over 200 bicycles annually.

A resident who received a refurbished bicycle said, "It is sturdy and convenient, so I am happy to be able to travel short distances by bicycle," and added, "I hope this recycling project continues in the future."

Seo Gangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "The recycled bicycle donation project will not only promote bicycle use but also make a significant contribution to environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions." He added, "We will continue to actively foster the recycled bicycle project and the culture of bicycle use to improve resident safety and the urban environment."

Meanwhile, Songpa District conducts annual bicycle safety education and implements various policies, such as district-wide bicycle insurance, to create an environment where residents can use bicycles safely.