On November 1, new, significantly enhanced traffic rules for cyclists aimed at improving road safety have come into force in Japan. In particular, now for using a mobile phone while riding a bicycle, which has led to an accident or a dangerous situation, a year of imprisonment or a fine of 300,000 Yen (approximately $ 1980) is provided. The law was a response to a significant number of road incidents, in particular due to the distraction of cyclists.
The Japanese edition of NHK notes that even if a conversation or phone viewing does not lead to an accident, offenders threaten up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to $ 100,000 (about $ 660). Thus, Japan's authorities plan to prevent situations in which cyclists are not concentrated on the road, cause danger to themselves and others.
New rules also provide for a drunk bicycle driving. Previously, Japanese laws were allowed to avoid punishment if a drunk cyclist could drive a vehicle relatively normally. However, the marginal threshold of 0.15 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breathing is now installed. For exceeding this cyclist, he threatens up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yin (about $ 3,300).
The National Police Agency of Japan has reported that since the beginning of 2024 (until September) there have been more than 49,000 accidents with the participation of cyclists, many of which have led to injuries or even fatal consequences. Of these, 126 accidents were associated with distraction during riding.
The new legislation emphasizes the determination of Japanese power in the fight for road safety, including by controlling cyclists, which is playing an increasing role in the country's transport system every year.
