South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety amended the Bicycle Act to require brakes on fixie bicycles used on public bike lanes [1].
The measure addresses growing road safety concerns, as authorities view brakeless fixie bicycles as hazardous to other users on shared paths [1].
Under the new regulations, riders who operate a fixie bicycle without brakes on designated bike lanes face a fine of up to 500,000 won [2]. The ministry said this is intended to reduce the risk of accidents on shared infrastructure.
Stricter penalties apply to those who modify their bicycles in ways that do not meet safety requirements. Such unsafe modifications can result in up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to 5,000,000 won [2]. If those modified bicycles are then ridden on bike lanes, the rider may face an additional fine of up to 500,000 won [2].
Certain exceptions exist for specific environments. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that the operation of fixie bicycles remains permitted at venues designated by the ministry, such as velodromes [2].
Officials described the move as a necessary step to curb the dangers posed by modified bicycles. The ministry said that the law aims to ensure that all vehicles on public paths possess the basic equipment necessary to stop safely.
“Brakeless fixie bicycles are considered hazardous on shared bike paths.”
This regulatory shift signals a transition from viewing fixie bicycles as niche sporting equipment to treating them as regulated vehicles subject to public safety standards. By introducing criminal penalties for modifications and administrative fines for usage, South Korea is prioritizing the safety of the collective user base on urban infrastructure over the preferences of a specific cycling subculture.
