Overall, Japan has been quite lenient toward cyclists, imposing relatively light penalties for behaviors such as cycling on sidewalks or children riding without helmets. However, after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of cyclists surged, leading to a rise in accidents between bicycles and pedestrians. In 2012, such collisions reached 5,885 cases, a 20% increase from 2002. During the same period, casualties rose from 965 to 6,267.
To curb the rising trend of bicycle-related traffic accidents and further strengthen road safety management for cyclists, Japan has recently increased regulations on cyclists. Starting December 13, the newly revised Road Traffic Act will officially take effect.
The new law will officially come into force on the 13th
Under Japanese law, cyclists are permitted to ride both ways in the narrow lane on the far right side of the road. On road sections without sidewalks, cyclists must share the lane with pedestrians. To address the growing number of bicycle accidents, Japan’s newly revised Road Traffic Act mandates that cyclists must always ride on the left side of the road. Violators may face up to 30 days of detention or a fine of up to 20,000 yen (approximately 1,191 RMB). However, on sidewalks where cycling is permitted, cyclists may still ride both ways.
This new law will officially take effect on December 13 this year, but what worries the police is that many Japanese cyclists appear unaware of this change in traffic rules.
Riding a bicycle without brakes is also illegal
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, in mid-November this year, Japanese police arrested a cyclist for riding a bicycle without brakes in violation of the Road Traffic Act — the first such arrest in Japanese history.
Previously, in March and June of last year, the police had issued warnings to the cyclist, stating that riding an off-road bicycle without brakes in urban areas was illegal and could result in a maximum fine of 50,000 yen (approximately 2,979 RMB). Later, the cyclist was fined by police for riding a brakeless bicycle in the Yoyogi area of Tokyo. But he refused court summons seven times and declined to pay the traffic fines. Finally, the police had had enough and arrested the 31-year-old man, placing him in custody.
Criminal sanctions for reckless cycling
It is reported that prosecutors in Tokyo have recently begun to crack down harshly on reckless cyclists. At the Tokyo District Court alone, three cyclists have been prosecuted for causing injuries to others due to gross negligence.
Previously, due to the large number of cyclists in Japan, prosecutors were reluctant to prosecute them. But the surge in bicycle traffic accidents has prompted a shift in mindset, making it less likely for offenders to escape punishment easily.
According to relevant Japanese laws, those who cause injury to others due to gross negligence while cycling may face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 1 million yen (approximately 59,570 RMB). If gross negligence results in someone’s death, the penalty range remains the same, but the charge will be changed to involuntary manslaughter.