Gyeryong City in South Chungcheong Province announced on January 16 that it operates a bicycle insurance program available to all city residents to prepare for accidents that may occur while using bicycles.
The insurance coverage period extends until January 8, 2027, and citizens with resident registration in Gyeryong City are automatically enrolled without any separate application process.
The insurance applies not only to those directly operating bicycles but also to passengers on bicycles and pedestrians involved in collisions with bicycles.
Notably, even if a bicycle accident occurs outside Gyeryong City, residents can receive the same coverage anywhere in the nation.
Key coverage details according to the policy terms include: death benefit of 5 million won (excluding those under 15 years old), permanent disability up to 5 million won, injury diagnosis consolation payment up to 500,000 won, hospitalization consolation payment up to 200,000 won, fines up to 20 million won, attorney fees up to 2 million won, and bicycle traffic accident settlement support up to 30 million won (excluding those under 14 years old).
A notable feature is that if a Gyeryong resident causes death or serious injury to another person while operating a bicycle and needs to reach a criminal settlement, they can receive up to 30 million won per person in bicycle traffic accident settlement support, which is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on citizens.
Additionally, certain items including accidental death, permanent disability, injury diagnosis consolation payment, and hospitalization consolation payment can be claimed regardless of other insurance coverage, allowing duplicate compensation that is expected to help reduce the burden on citizens affected by accidents.
As of last year, 11 Gyeryong residents received 3.5 million won in insurance payouts for bicycle accidents and other incidents.
Insurance claims can be filed within three years from the date of the accident by submitting the required documents directly to DB Insurance Company via phone or fax.
A city official said, "As the bicycle-using population in Gyeryong City has increased recently, it is important to establish safety measures for accidents," adding, "Through the operation of bicycle insurance, we will create an environment where citizens can use bicycles with greater peace of mind."