North Korea lifts women's bike ban

North Korea has lifted a long-standing ban on women from riding bicycles in urban areas.

The repressive measure was imposed by Kim Jong Il in the 1990s after the daughter of one of his generals was killed riding a bike in downtown Pyongyang.

Those caught violating the order were fined up to £25 and repeat offenders risked having their bicycle confiscated by the state.

Citizens were urged to heed the ban in television adverts which told them that a woman wearing a skirt while riding a bicycle was contrary to socialist custom.

The Daily NK news website quotes a source as saying: "This August, approval for women to ride bicycles was handed down by the state.

"People have welcomed it, saying that 'penalties imposed by the father are being lifted by the son'."