While a similar number of people suffered from injuries resulting from cycling accidents over the same period, there have been around 280 fatalities every year due to bicycle crashes since 2011. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 14 (Korea Bizwire) — The steady increase in the popularity of cycling as a recreational activity has engendered a corresponding increase in the number of accidents involving cyclists, prompting the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) to announce plans for a major safety overhaul of bike lanes.
According to an announcement made by the MOI yesterday, the government branch is pumping 3 billion won into improving cycling infrastructure in the country, and will start by modifying high-risk bike lanes in cities around the country including Gwangju, Cheongju, and Daejeon, in an effort to curb cycling accidents.
The MOI’s latest move comes amid a growing number of cycling accidents in recent years.
In 2015, over 17,300 cycling accidents were reported, up 170 percent from 2011.
While a similar number of people suffered from injuries resulting from cycling accidents over the same period, there have been around 280 fatalities every year due to bicycle crashes since 2011.
As of 2015, cycling accidents accounted for 7.5 percent of all vehicle accidents, up 2 percent from 2011, reflecting the growing public interest in cycling as a sport.
Figures show the number of bicycles owned by South Koreans has nearly doubled in recent years, from 6.2 million in 2010 to 10.2 million in 2015.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
