South Korea's top mobile carrier SK Telecom Co. said Tuesday it has signed a preliminary deal with local bicycle producer Alton Sports Co. to join forces in developing two-wheelers armed with the latest information and communications technologies.

Under the deal, SK and Alton Sports will seek to develop bicycles that are connected to the mobile carriers' Bluetooth-powered beacon technology, allowing riders to locate their bikes with smartphone applications within a 50 meter distance.

SK Telecom said riders can also locate their bicycles at far distances through various "Access Points" that will be installed at depositories, parks and retail shops.

The company said it is vital for two-wheelers to be equipped with security measures, as the number of bicycle-theft cases has been on the rise, with the figure reaching 15,774 in 2013, soaring from the 4,915 tallied in 2008.

"We hope to vitalize the leisure industry and establish measures against bicycles thefts or losses through the ICT-based solutions," the company said.

SK Telecom added it also plans to roll out health care-related features via Alton Sports' bicycles that will provide riders with various information, such as the amount of calories burned. (Yonhap)