Ineffective bike helmet law faces repeal

Members of 10 bike communities hold a rally against the revised traffic law mandating riders wear helmets, in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Saturday. / Yonhap

By Kang Seung-woo

Days have passed since the law mandating wearing bike helmets took effect, but criticism on the effectiveness of the law is growing.

In the wake of this, some lawmakers have already submitted a bill to amend the law, while local governments are also stopping their free helmet services.

Wearing a bike helmet was made mandatory Sept. 28 following a revision to the Road Traffic Law in March to reduce the risks of serious head and face injuries.

However, given that no penalty was set for violators, the law has been sparking questions about its effectiveness.

On Sunday, many bicyclists were seen riding without helmets at Mangwon Hangang Park, as well as downtown Seoul, including Gwanghwamun.

"I usually ride a bike when I have business in the neighborhood, so I do not think it is necessary to put on a helmet all the time," said Yu Jin-hee, a frequent cyclist on the Han River bike path.

"It is a real hassle that I have to put on a helmet when riding for only several minutes."

On Saturday, members of 10 bike communities held a rally in Seoul against the mandatory helmet law, denouncing it as typical bureaucratic administration holding back more people from participating in cycling.

"Rather than holding all cyclists responsible for bike accidents, the government needs to expand bike infrastructure as well as seek preventive measures," they said.

Amid escalating complaints about the law, Rep. Ahn Gyu-back of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, and nine fellow lawmakers proposed an amendment that "recommends" wearing a helmet instead of mandating the protective gear.

"It is not possible, practically, to compel every bike rider to wear a helmet _ especially for public bikes and short-distance travel," Ahn said.

Ahn said the revision would ease the burden of some local governments spending money on free helmet services after they took flak for wasting taxpayer money.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government, which started a free helmet service in July, recently suspended it due to negative views on the law.

According to its recent survey on the helmet use for its bike-sharing system, 2,199 people were against this, while 240 were in favored.

The Daejeon Metropolitan Government also offered 200 free helmets, but its offer has been put on hold following the submission of a revision.

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