Bicycles are classified as "light vehicles" under the Japan Road Traffic Act, and are given the same treatment as cars.
Road use for bicycles is determined by the law and offenses will incur a penalty.
Please ride bicycles carefully, like how you would drive a car.
1. Bicycles are light vehicles and therefore belong to the road in general.
They are to be cycled on the left side of the road.
However, bicycles are allowed on the pavement in the following exceptions:
・The pavement is marked with a sign stating that bicycles are allowed.
・The cyclist is a child of less than 13 years old, a senior older than 70, or is physically disabled.
・There are obstructions on the road, such that it is difficult to cycle.
＊Cyclists have to cycle at a slower speed than on the road and give way to pedestrians.
2. Drink-cycling is prohibited. If found guilty, the offender will be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years of imprisonment or a maximum fine of 1 million yen.
3. Only 1 person is allowed to one bicycle. (However, children less than 6 years old are allowed to ride with another person)
4. Cycling in pace is not allowed
Cyclists must not cycle alongside another cyclist.
5. Turn on the headlights when cycling at night
Besides the above, do also take note of the following:
- Do not use the phone while cycling
- Do not cycle with your earphones or headphones on
- On rainy days, do not cycle with one hand while holding your umbrella in the other. Put on a raincoat instead.
- When turning at corners or entering a wide lane from a narrow one, always slow down or stop momentarily.
If you are caught by the police for offending the traffic rules, you won't get away with claiming that you were unaware of the rules.
Most importantly, there is a great responsibility to bear if you cause injuries to another person in an accident.
Therefore, do pay extra caution when riding a bicycle!
Road use for bicycles is determined by the law and offenses will incur a penalty.
Please ride bicycles carefully, like how you would drive a car.
1. Bicycles are light vehicles and therefore belong to the road in general.
They are to be cycled on the left side of the road.
However, bicycles are allowed on the pavement in the following exceptions:
・The pavement is marked with a sign stating that bicycles are allowed.
・The cyclist is a child of less than 13 years old, a senior older than 70, or is physically disabled.
・There are obstructions on the road, such that it is difficult to cycle.
＊Cyclists have to cycle at a slower speed than on the road and give way to pedestrians.
2. Drink-cycling is prohibited. If found guilty, the offender will be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years of imprisonment or a maximum fine of 1 million yen.
3. Only 1 person is allowed to one bicycle. (However, children less than 6 years old are allowed to ride with another person)
4. Cycling in pace is not allowed
Cyclists must not cycle alongside another cyclist.
5. Turn on the headlights when cycling at night
Besides the above, do also take note of the following:
- Do not use the phone while cycling
- Do not cycle with your earphones or headphones on
- On rainy days, do not cycle with one hand while holding your umbrella in the other. Put on a raincoat instead.
- When turning at corners or entering a wide lane from a narrow one, always slow down or stop momentarily.
If you are caught by the police for offending the traffic rules, you won't get away with claiming that you were unaware of the rules.
Most importantly, there is a great responsibility to bear if you cause injuries to another person in an accident.
Therefore, do pay extra caution when riding a bicycle!
