South Korea, one of Asia's industrial powerhouses, is turning to an old-fashioned way to solve the problem of its traffic-clogged roads: encouraging people to ride bicycles.

The Home Affairs Ministry announced a campaign Monday to promote bicycle use as a way to cope with heavy traffic, air pollution and soaring global oil prices. The ministry said it will increase the number of bicycle-only roads and bicycle racks and revise related ordinances.

"The important role of bicycles as a commuting means for students and workers over short distances has disappeared due to a sharp increase in the number of automobiles following rapid growth in the national economy," the ministry said in a statement.

Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/05/asia/AS-GEN-SKorea-Bicycles.php

Source: International Herald Tribune (www.iht.com)