"Brake-less Bicycle" Tragedy… Discussions on System Improvements Intensify Following Middle School Student's Death in Seoul
On the morning of the 12th of last month, a middle school student riding a fixie bicycle collided with an outdoor air conditioning unit after failing to slow down while descending a hill on an alley road in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, losing his life.
The fatal accident involving a middle school student riding a so-called "fixie bicycle" with no braking system has amplified calls for addressing institutional gaps.
A fixie bicycle features a single gear structure without a gearbox or brakes, originally designed for indoor racing. Due to the lack of braking mechanisms, the stopping distance is significantly longer than that of regular bicycles, making it difficult for even skilled riders to control when going downhill.
On the 19th, during an appearance on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," track cyclist Kim Gi-hoon warned, "A fixie bicycle is locked into a fixed gear and can reach speeds of over 80 km/h. Once it gains speed downhill, even professional riders find it hard to control."
However, recently, trick riding videos have gained popularity on social media, rapidly spreading among middle and high school students, and even among upper-grade elementary school students. The issue is that under existing law, bicycles without braking systems are not legally recognized as "bicycles," placing them outside the application of the Road Traffic Act.
Legislative Proposals and Strengthened Police Enforcement
In reality, the proportion of bicycles in traffic accidents involving minors has been steadily increasing. Among the 5,571 total bicycle traffic accidents last year, 1,461 (26.2%) involved minors, showing an increase compared to 2023 (18.3%) and 2022 (19.4%).
In response to this situation, the National Assembly has also taken action. On the 20th, Representative Ko Dong-jin of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee, proposed a revision to the Road Traffic Act that would prohibit the operation of bicycles without braking systems on roads. The revision includes a provision for imposing a fine of up to 200,000 won for violations.
The National Police Agency announced on the 17th that it would treat road riding on fixie bicycles as a violation of the duty to drive safely and would conduct awareness and enforcement measures. Particularly for minors caught riding, parents will be notified and warned. If guardians fail to adequately respond after several warnings, they could face penalties under the Child Welfare Act for neglect.
Image source: Online Community, unrelated reference materials / News1
