Five Rules for Safe Use of Bicycles
Updated: February 16, 2023
On November 1, 2022, the five rules for safe use of bicycles were revised.
Know the correct rules and use your bicycle safely.
Metropolitan Police Department website (five rules for safe use of bicycles)
1 As a general rule, drive on the left side of the road. Pedestrians are given priority on sidewalks.
According to the Road Traffic Act, bicycles are light vehicles and must be driven on the left side like cars.
Let's pass from the center of the road to the left edge of the left side.
Pedestrian traffic is an exception.
If you are walking on the sidewalk, slow down on the side of the road and push if it is obstructing pedestrian traffic.
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks.
2 At intersections, obey traffic lights and stop to confirm safety
Follow the traffic signals for vehicles when traveling on the roadway and the pedestrian traffic lights when traveling on the sidewalk.
When there is a stop sign, be sure to stop and check left and right for safety, just like a car.
3 Turn on the lights at night
By turning on the light, you can appeal the presence of the bicycle to other vehicles and pedestrians.
For your safety, turn on your lights at night and attach reflectors to your bike.
4 Drunk driving is prohibited
Just like driving a car, do not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol.
[Penalty] Imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen (if driving while intoxicated)
5 wear a helmet
Approximately 60% of fatal accidents involving cyclists are fatal to the head.
Also, if the chinstrap is not fastened, the helmet will come off due to the impact of the accident, which is pointless.
Wear your helmet correctly by tightening the chin strap.
Due to the revision of the Road Traffic Law in 2023, all cyclists must strive to wear helmets.
Stop driving like this
Driving while holding an umbrella or using a mobile phone
Do not ride a bicycle in a manner that obstructs your field of vision, such as holding an umbrella, or that may cause you to lose stability.
Also, do not drive while talking on the cell phone or texting.
[Penalty] Fine of 50,000 yen or less
Related Links
Cabinet Office website (promoting safe use of bicycles)
Metropolitan Police Department website (bicycle traffic rules)
Inquiries about this page
Inagi City Urban Construction Department Management Section
2111 Higashi Naganuma, Inagi City, Tokyo
Phone: 042-378-2111 Fax: 042-377-4781