Steps for Better Bicycle-sharing Services

As in other countries, bicycle-sharing services in Korea have also become big business. Seoul Metropolitan Government officially began its own service named "Ddareungi" or "Seoul's bike" in 2015, and several companies now also provide similar services.

Because bicycle-sharing is a desirable solution for air pollution, traffic jams, and lack of exercise, people are highly encouraged to use such a service. But to secure a safe environment for users and to promote bicycle-sharing services, the government still needs to take several steps.

First, certain obligations should be imposed on all service providers. Most restrictions in Korean traffic laws focus just on the controller of a vehicle. For example, bicycle riders must have lights on their bicycle for night riding. However, in the case of bicycle-sharing services, users who actually ride the bicycles cannot install lights do so because they are not owners and are only riding for a very short time. It is the service provider rather than the rider that can actually control and maintain the shared bicycle.

Second, a bicycle collection plan should be implemented...