Cycling is a great way to commute to avoid the crowds. But of course, there are important rules that everyone should know before cycling in Japan.
Basic Rules about Cycling in Japan
Normally, cycling should be done on the road, but in places where there are signs for pedestrians, you can also ride on the sidewalk outside the road, but you should not obstruct the pedestrian. If a child under the age of 13 or the elderly disabled people aged 70 or over are allowed to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk of any place．
Talking on the phone or listening to music while riding a bicycle is prohibited.
While riding a bicycle, holding your mobile phone in your hand, and looking at the screen is prohibited.
In many parts of Japan, it is not possible to ride a bicycle with one hand under an umbrella.
After drinking alcohol, riding a bicycle is prohibited.
Riding bicycle side by side is prohibited.
Two people can’t travel on the same bicycle here. Children under the age of 6 can ride bicycles together, but a seat for children should be mandatory.
You should have headlights on during the evening. And as common sense, you must obey the traffic lights, stop signs; and slow down before entering a wider road from a narrow road.
While cycling, you should keep to the left side on roadways. While on sidewalks, you should yield to pedestrians and ride slowly. If there is no bicycle lane, you will have to ride along with the flow of vehicle traffic.
Children under the age of 13 should wear a helmet when cycling. If you have children under this age, it is better to instruct them to wear helmets.
In Japan, it is possible for you to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk if there is a road sign or other signpost indicating to do so. If there is no signpost, only children under 13 years old are allowed to ride on the sidewalk. However, you can ride on the sidewalk when there are unavoidable circumstances due to traffic conditions, but you need to yield to pedestrians and be careful.
Bicycles can only be parked at designated places for parking, and bicycles can be confiscated if they are found parked outside the designated area.
Bicycles cannot be brought inside the train, but foldable bicycles are allowed to be brought without any hindrance and except busy hour.
Ignoring the traffic light is dangerous.
Penalties
Here are some corresponding penalties when you disobey these rules.
You can get a maximum penalty of 50,000 yen and/or three months in prison if you ride a bicycle with broken brakes, or if you ride dangerously.
For drunk riders, you can get a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a 1,000,000 yen fine.
If you ride a bicycle while carrying an umbrella, you can face a fine of up to 50,000 yen. You can also get the same penalty if you ride while listening to music or talking on the phone.
You can face a 20,000 yen fine if you ride a bicycle with a passenger (apart from a child below the age of 6).
If you do not use headlights and rear lights at night, you can get a fine of up to 50,000 yen.
Riding bicycles side by side can make you face a 20,000 yen fine.
You can get a 50,000 yen fine for disobeying traffic lights.
Registering Your Bicycle
Please don’t forget to register your bicycle in your name at the prefectural police department!
If you buy a new bicycle at some local stores in Japan, the salesperson will register it at the prefectural police department on your behalf for an additional 500-yen fee. All you would have to do is fill out the form with your name, phone number, home address, and details about your bicycle, such as its serial number and maker. The salesperson will then put a registration label on your bicycle once it is registered.
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