The guardians of middle school students who repeatedly engaged in dangerous riding on
"fixie" bikes without braking systems have been cleared of charges following a police investigation.
On the 20th, Incheon Namdong Police Station announced it had closed the case without booking the parents,
Mr. A and Mr. B, who were under internal investigation for child neglect under the Child Welfare Act.
Their children,
along with five others, were caught riding fixie bikes dangerously on a road in Incheon at approximately 1:00 AM on the 18th of last month.
The police had focused on whether the charges of neglect were applicable,
as the parents had received multiple warnings in the past regarding their children’s behavior.
Neglect charges apply when a guardian fails to provide necessary protection, upbringing, or medical care. Previously, the National Police Agency stated that "parents could be punished for neglect if they fail to provide proper guidance," amid growing concerns over fixie bike accidents.
However, the police determined that this specific case did not constitute "abandoning the duty of protection and placing the child in danger." A police official explained, "After a legal review, we concluded that the fundamental requirements for the crime of neglect were not met."
Furthermore, attempts to apply charges for violating the Road Traffic Act against the minors for riding brakeless bicycles also fell through. Police stated, "It is difficult to punish minors when it has not been proven that they caused direct danger or obstruction to others," while noting the need for improved safety regulations and systems regarding fixie bikes.