The growing popularity of 'fixie bicycles', particularly among the youth, has raised significant safety concerns due to their lack of braking systems. A recent survey by the Korea Consumer Agency revealed that approximately 40% of users have either been involved in accidents or narrowly avoided them. The findings indicate a worrying trend, where many of these bicycles, designed with minimal safety features, are being sold without adequate brakes, despite regulations requiring them to be safety tested and equipped with functioning brakes.

The study found that 75% of the fixie bicycles surveyed were improperly equipped with brakes. Specifically, 55% of bikes in their survey had only a front brake, while 20% had no brakes at all. Users pointed to a culture that encourages reckless maneuvering, such as 'skidding' to slow down without brakes, further heightening the risk of accidents. This culture, combined with the inadequate safety measures on the bicycles, poses a serious threat not only to the riders but also to pedestrians and other road users.

Furthermore, among the respondents who had prior experience with fixie bicycles, an overwhelming 82% recognized these bicycles as dangerous. Of those surveyed, nearly 43% reported having had an accident or a close call, with many attributing the incidents to the removal or non-installation of brakes, lack of proper handling skills, and speeding. Alarmingly, during an observation of 24 fixie bicycles being ridden, none of the users were seen wearing necessary safety gear such as helmets, highlighting a significant disregard for personal safety while riding these risky vehicles.