'Time Bombs on the Road' Fixed-Gear Bicycles...If Teens Break Safety Rules, Parents May Also Face Investigation

[Financial News] As the new school term approaches, the police are stepping up enforcement against fixed-gear bicycles, which are popular among teenagers, and unlicensed electric scooter use. They are also considering requesting investigations of parents if no meaningful action is taken despite repeated warnings.
The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) announced on the 22nd, "We will crack down on illegal acts such as teenagers riding personal mobility devices (PMD), including unlicensed electric scooter use, and operating fixed-gear bicycles on the road. For chronic problems, we will even consider requesting investigations into personal mobility sharing company operators and parents in order to eradicate dangerous and reckless behavior by youths."
In particular, the police have determined that a fixed-gear bicycle falls under the category of a vehicle. Fixed-gear bicycles, which use only a single gear without a derailleur or brakes, were originally developed for professional cyclists. However, they have recently become a trend not only among middle and high school students but also upper-grade elementary school students.
If a fixed-gear bicycle is regarded as a vehicle, the provisions of the Road Traffic Act requiring drivers to properly operate and control braking devices can be applied. Normally, violations of the duty to drive safely are subject to summary judgment, but when the rider is a child or teenager under 18 on a fixed-gear bicycle, the police can notify the parents and issue a formal warning.
According to the police, if parents or other guardians fail to take appropriate measures despite multiple warnings, they themselves may be punished under the Child Welfare Act for child abuse by neglect.
To coincide with the start of the new semester, the KNPA plans to conduct an eight-week campaign through April 17, focusing on areas with heavy child activity, to provide traffic safety guidance and crack down on traffic law violations.
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter