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Important to Know! Bicycle Traffic FAQ
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Important to Know! Bicycle Traffic FAQ
In Korea, over 12,000 bicycle-related traffic accidents occur annually. Additionally, many cyclists are unaware of the regulations related to bicycle traffic and accidents, leading to violations of traffic laws and potentially endangering safety.
✅ Make sure to know this! Basic Bicycle Traffic Rules and Etiquette
1. Bicycles should primarily travel on designated bike lanes.
2. Bicycles must travel on the right side of the road.
3. When making left turns, right turns, stopping, or slowing down, cyclists must signal in advance using hand signals.
4. For safety, cyclists must turn on headlights and taillights when riding at night, in bad weather, or through tunnels.
5. When walking a bicycle, it should be done on pedestrian pathways.
Q1. If there is no bike lane, should bicycles use the sidewalk or the road?
A. When there is no bike lane, bicycles should primarily use the road. Cyclists must ride along the right edge of the road.
* Bicycles are allowed on the sidewalk in the following cases:
- If the rider is a child, elderly, or physically disabled.
- If there is a safety sign permitting bicycles on the sidewalk.
- If road damage or construction makes it impossible to ride on the road.
Q2. What is the extent of the right edge of the road that bicycles can use?
A.The right edge refers to the space that is half (1/2) of the width of the rightmost lane.
- In the event of an accident: If an accident occurs outside of the right edge, the cyclist's liability for insurance purposes may increase.
- Although the exact extent of the right edge is not specified in the law, the police interpret it as mentioned above.
Q3. Can I ride my bicycle across the street using a crosswalk?
A.No, you cannot. When crossing the street using a crosswalk, you must dismount and walk your bicycle.
- According to the Road Traffic Act, if you cross at a crosswalk where there is no designated bicycle crossing, you must dismount and walk your bicycle across. However, if there is a designated bicycle crossing, you can ride your bicycle across it.
- Cyclists who dismount and walk their bicycles are considered pedestrians and are protected as such.
Q4. Can bicycles make a left turn at an intersection like cars?
A. No, they cannot. Bicycles must make left turns by using the edge of the intersection. As shown in the diagram, you need to go straight twice to make a left turn.
- At signalized intersections, you must move during the straight signal, not the left turn signal.
- At intersections without signals, you should make the left turn in the same manner by going straight twice while paying attention to other vehicles.
Q5. Is it okay to ride a bicycle after drinking alcohol?
A. No, it is a violation of the Road Traffic Act. Drunk cycling can result in a fine, and if an accident occurs, you may face criminal penalties and other disadvantages.
- In case of a Violation: Riding a bicycle while intoxicated is against the Road Traffic Act. According to the Act's enforcement decree, a fine of 30,000 KRW is imposed if caught cycling under the influence, and 100,000 KRW if you refuse a sobriety test.
- In case of an accident: If an accident occurs, you may be subject to criminal penalties under the Road Traffic Act. Cyclists who ride under the influence are likely to be held more at fault compared to standard liability.
Q6. Can bicycles be penalized for traffic violations or be fined?
A. Yes, bicycles can be penalized for violating the Road Traffic Act, and fines can be imposed for specified violations.
- Bicycles are considered one of the traffic vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and are therefore subject to its regulations.
- The Road Traffic Act and its enforcement decree outline penalties, violation types, and the corresponding fines. Depending on the violation, fines for bicycle-related infractions range from as little as 10,000 KRW to as much as 100,000 KRW.
Q7. Do I need to turn on the headlights and taillights when cycling at night?
A. Yes, by law, cyclists must turn on headlights and taillights or wear light-emitting devices like reflective bands when riding on the road at night. However, for safety, it is recommended to turn on both headlights and taillights rather than relying solely on reflective bands or other light-emitting devices.
Q8. Are there mandatory actions to take if I have an accident while cycling?
A. Yes, if there are injuries or damage to property, you must stop immediately and take necessary actions, such as providing aid to the injured. If there are injuries, you should report the accident to the nearest police officer or police station, and if the injuries are severe, it is advisable to call 119 (emergency services) immediately.
- In case of a Violation: Failure to provide aid to the injured or take necessary actions can result in penalties under Article 148 of the Road Traffic Act, which includes imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 15 million KRW.
- If you fail to report the accident, you could be subject to penalties under Article 154, which includes a fine of up to 300,000 KRW or detention.
Q9. Can all electric bicycles use bike lanes?
A. No, not all electric bicycles are allowed to use bike lanes. Only those electric bicycles that meet the conditions specified by the Act on the Promotion of the Use of Bicycles are permitted to use bike lanes.
Conditions for Electric Bicycles Allowed on Bike Lanes:
- Drive System: Must be pedal-assist (PAS).
- Motor Operation Maximum Speed: Less than 25 km/h (the motor should not operate if the speed exceeds 25 km/h).
- Total Weight: Less than 30 kg.
Safety Requirements:
- For bicycles manufactured, imported, or sold before March 22, 2018; Only those with a previously registered safety verification are recognized until September 22, 2018.
- For bicycles manufactured, imported, or sold after March 22, 2018; They must be verified for compliance with safety requirements by the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety or have a safety confirmation report.
- Both businesses and individuals can request safety compliance verification from the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
In Korea, there is still a significant lack of bike lanes and related facilities. The rapid rise in the use of new personal mobility devices has led to confusion among users and an increase in accidents, highlighting the need for appropriate safety policies. To promote safer cycling, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Transport Institute selected frequently asked questions from cyclists and published the "Bicycle Traffic FAQ" in 2012. This guide has since been revised and updated, with the current edition being the fourth.
When using bike lanes, it's crucial to remember the basic traffic rules and safety guidelines to ensure safe riding.
*This card news was created by partially revising and supplementing the "2023 Bicycle Traffic FAQ" as part of the 2023 Personal Mobility Device Policy Support Project.