Japan Tip of the Day illustration (Illustration by Stripes Okinawa)
Rules to follow when riding your bike in Japan
DON’T
Here are 14 illegal actions by bike riders that Japanese police are looking for:
Ignoring traffic signals
Riding in prohibited areas
Riding unsafely on footpaths/riding on undesignated pedestrian roads
Riding in the wrong lane
Obstructing pedestrians
Crossing through active railroad crossings
Ignoring intersection safety
Obstructing an intersection
Riding unsafely in roundabouts
Not obeying stop signs
Not stopping at crosswalks
Riding a bike with poor brakes
Riding under the influence
Not riding safely
Source: Government of Japan
DO
Five rules for cyclists biking off base
1. In principle, cyclists should ride on the street and use sidewalks only in exceptional cases.
Bicycles are classified as vehicles, so as a general rule, cyclists should use the street.
Cyclists should use designated bicycle paths when they are available.
Cyclists should use the lanes marked for bicycles on sidewalks or roads when they are available.
Children under 13, adults 70 and over, and people with physical disabilities are permitted to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
When the street is too narrow, cyclists can ride on sidewalks.
2. Cyclists should ride on the left side of the street.
Only the left side of the street should be used by cyclists.
Cyclists must not obstruct pedestrians if riding inside the lines marking pedestrian paths.
3. Cyclists must reduce speed on sidewalks and give pedestrians the right of way.
When passing pedestrians on sidewalks, cyclists should reduce speed enough to enable a sudden stop.
Cyclists should stop riding if there is a risk of obstructing passing pedestrians on sidewalks.
Cyclists should refrain from unnecessary ringing bicycle bells at pedestrians on sidewalks.
Pedestrians are given priority on sidewalks, so cyclists are expected to dismount their bicycle if necessary.
4. Cyclists must obey safety rules.
Riding double is prohibited.
Riding side by side is prohibited
Cyclists are prohibited from riding under the influence of alcohol.
Cyclists must use bicycle lights at night. Cyclists must also use bicycle lights in the daytime when riding through tunnels or during foggy weather.
Cyclists must obey traffic lights at intersections and check for safety after coming to a full stop.
Cyclists must not use umbrellas or talk on mobile phones when riding.
5. Children must wear a bicycle helmet.
Parents and guardians must ensure that children wear bicycle helmet in the following cases:
Source: National Police Agency and Japan Traffic Safety Association
