Reader Photos of the Week: Bike infrastructure in Seoul, South Korea

Ross Kenney shared this photo of the bike and walking facilities
on the Banpo Bridge, suggesting that they are similar to the ideas proposed for the Columbia River Crossing
(Photo: Ross Kenney)

BikePortland reader Ross Kenney writes to us that he moved this fall from Portland to Seoul, South Korea to teach English. He included some photos and notes on the state of bicycling infrastructure there.

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Kenney writes:

“I brought my bike along, because I couldn’t possibly bear the thought of living without any fun between my legs for a year. I have been out exploring the vast network of Seoul bicycle trails and observing the differences from my home town. My new coworkers were quick to brag that their new President is very interested in cycling, and has created many expansion projects.”

Kenney adds that a number of new trails have been constructed thanks to increased political will. He adds, “More importantly, I think, they are now allowing bicycles on the subway, and have constructed special cars on each end of the trains. I have also heard word of a 10 year plan to increase bike access (sounds like a master plan).”

Here are two more photos from Kenney of bike infrastructure in Seoul:

A bike share facility used mainly for recreation on the network of paths.
(Photo: Ross Kenney)

An elevator built for lifting pedestrians and cyclists from the Han River trail to the deck of a bridge.
(Photo: Ross Kenney)

– We last wrote about Seoul’s bike infrastructure (including the elevator pictured above) and programs to increase bicycling back in October, 2008.