Nation-First “Bicycle Guardian Solution” in Seoul

One of the many applications of RFID technology is the prevention of bicycle theft. Many countries around the world have already implemented RFID-based anti-theft solutions for e-bikes. This includes South Korea.

This technology offers significant advantages for the monitoring and protection of bicycles. Once a bicycle is fitted with an RFID transponder and registered in a central system, it can be quickly identified, located and tracked in the event of theft. RFID systems for bicycles are set up in areas such as parking garages, e-bike stations or bicycle rental points.

Some systems are even linked to mobile apps and alarm mechanisms that notify bike owners if the bike is moved without authorization. In many countries, RFID has led to a noticeable reduction in bicycle theft and increased the security of bicycles.

In an interview with the Think WIOT Group, Christy Cho, Overseas Business Manager at Apulsetech, provides details into South Korea’s first ever deployment of the “Bicycle Guardian Solution” in Seoul’s Yangcheon District.

RFID Increases the Security of Bicycles in South Korea

The main reason behind the deployment of this solution is the increase in bicycle theft, especially in Seoul’s Yangcheon District. In 2023, there were 4, 363 reported bicycle thefts in Yangcheon District alone. This figure is significantly higher than the average number of nationally reported bicycle theft cases per police station, which is usually at 46.

In Yangcheon District, many of these cases involve middle and highschool students. Bicycles are used without authorization and abandoned in different locations. Local authorities required a solution that enabled the real-time tracking of registered bicycles, and RFID was the answer.

Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Ki-Jae has emphasized the proactive introduction of advanced technology to address persistent urban issues like bicycle theft around school areas. This led to the deployment of the “Bicycle Guardian Solution”, as a joint collaboration between the Yangcheon District and the Yangcheon Police Station.

The solution was set up at four locations in Yangcheon District. These so-called “Bicycle Guardian Zones” include the area behind Hyundai World Tower, the area in front of university academies, the rear area of the Yangcheon Central Plaza, and at Eunhye Chapel Square near the Global Village Church. These locations are all densely populated areas near schools where bicycle theft is frequently reported.

Hardware and Software

The hardware required for the solution includes fixed cameras and RFID antennas. The stationary a211 reader from Apulsetech is used. The company's mobile a712 reader is also used by the authorities at the registration office. The registered bicycles each have an electronic chip embedded in the license plate. On the software side, a dedicated smartphone application and an RFID cycle path analysis system are used, which is active at 15 locations.

The RFID Solution

Each of the four “Bicycle Guardian Zones” are equipped with RFID antennas, fixed cameras, guide and information signs, and notification lights. When entering or leaving the defined zones, bicycles with embedded RFID chips trigger real-time notifications that alert bicycle owners via a dedicated smartphone app. The chips are also used to identify bicycle owners.

In addition to the four “Bicycle Guardian Zones”, the RFID bicycle path analysis system enables the real-time tracking of registered bicycle license plates in 15 locations. This broadens the area of coverage. The Yangcheon District plans to register around 5,000 bicycles in the system.

Apulsetech

• RFID reader manufacturer

• Customers: Companies worldwide

• Products: Handheld RFID readers

• Applications: Asset tracking, asset management, inventory, and more

System Configuration

360° Capture

The stationary RFID readers detect and capture the RFID transponders on the bicycles from all directions (360°), regardless of the direction from which the bicycle is traveling. These readers use radio waves to read information from the RFID transponder integrated into each bike.

The readers not only detect the bikes, but also the direction of movement of each bike as it passes by. This means that the system captures bike movement data in real time. This feature enables many applications, including theft protection and access control.

Quick Localization

Location data captured by the RFID antennas and fixed cameras is instantly transmitted to the U-Yangcheon Integrated Control Center and the Yangcheon Police Station. Authorities receive instant location information and police officers can be efficiently deployed to support the recovery of stolen bicycles, and the apprehension of thieves. The solution effectively minimizes the use of police resources.

In order to benefit from the “Bicycle Guardian Solution” in Yangcheon District, resident bicycle owners need only to register their bicycles on the Yangcehon Smart Bicycle Guardian website and smartphone app. With a simple membership registration, bicycle owners receive real-time notifications if their bicycles leave the zones, and can easily relocate them.