Road Traffic Law involving bikes

Law

• Bikes are supposed to be in a left side of a carriage way (Shadou, 車道) as go with the cars.
• It's not allowed to ride on a sidewalk (Hodou, 歩道). But some sidewalks are assigned by National Police Agency so that bikes can ride on. If there is the sign on the right, you can ride on both sidewalk and carriage way. (*1)
• On allowed sidewalks, don't disturb foot passengers, don't ring the bell in vain. Yield to pedestrians.(*2)
• Bikes must be equipped with a light in front, a reflector in back and a bell. (*3)
• All bikes must be registered on prefectural police department. This registration is just in order to make it easier to find out stolen bikes. Not for levying a tax, not for insuring. (*4)
• Assurance is not liable. You don't necessarily need to take out insurance to ride a bike. Also a helmet is optional.
• Tandem bikes are not legal except in Nagano prefecture. (*5)
• The sign on the right means "DO NOT ENTER by bike". In most cases, it's in front of an underpass, an overpass and a freeway.
• The sigh on the right is a stop sign. Be sure to stop short of that sign and look right and left. If it's empty, move along.

Reality

• *1 But many bikers ride on sidewalks regardless whether it's assigned or not. Because the police don't mind, too. That law is really dysfunctional.
• *2 It's difficult to say that sidewalks are safer than carriage way. Be careful about not only pedstrians, but also ordinary bikers. Japanese ordinary bikers have a notorious reputation for bad behavior. And never hit foot passengers. The highest claimable amount in the past was tens of millions yen.
• *3 The police cares about only front light in practice. Personally I make it a rule not to equip a bell, but I've never had warning of it.
• *4 This is dysfunctional, too. First, there is no penalty if you don't register. Second, foreigners on a tourist visa can't register. Because it's supposed to register to the police of the prefecture of domicile. It can't unless you live in Japan. Third, a stolen bike seldom comes to your hand regardless whether it was registered or not. In conclusion, never you mind. Forget it.
• *5 How many times do I have to say "dysfunctional"? In reality, no problem with a tandem bike. No policeman will stop you. That law was originally prohibiting to ride double in "ordinary" bikes. Maybe government officials didn't know the presence of tandem bikes. It still remains today.

Safety

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Reader's page > Bill's What are Japanese Roads Like?

Tunnels

Tunnels have been enemy of Japanese cycle tourist for a long time. Older tunnels don't have enough wide sidewalk and it's carriage way is too narrow, so they prefer steep detours rather than flat tunnels. Tunnels made in these days have wide sidewalks though.

Anyway, equip with a strong light and decent reflectors for tunnels, not only for night ridings.

Cycling Roads

There are some cycling roads along rivers, but many of them are little confusing, easy to lost. Sometimes dirt surfaces unexpectedly appear. They would be better suited for cyclists live in Japan, for their daily training.

As for safety, be aware of that there are different risks from general roads. Pedstrians and ordinary bikers freely move beyond your expectation. Where general roads cut across cycling roads, car drivers tend to be careless. They are like kind of lawless area. Please don't assume cycling roads are safe.

Many accidents on one-way roads

Almost all of Japanese one-way roads except for bikes. You can legally ride the wrong way on them by bike. But it causes more accidents. Drivers tend to be careless in the direction of travel when they enter the one-way road or open the door.

Actually many of my friends were in some accidents when they rode the wrong way. If you do so, assume that drivers don't find out about you, and decrease the speed adequately.

Off the road

Before you leave your bike, keep in mind two things.

• Lock a key. Using a long wire key to tie two wheels to a convenient pole is a good way.
• Keep your valuables safe and secure.

These two will help to avoid you from disappointment

Carry your bike

Upon your arrival to Narita or Kansai International Airport, which is the best way to get a certain city in your mind?
In Japan, you are not allowed to bring your bike without taking all to pieces.

You have to do "Rinko", this means your bike must be put in some kind of bike bag before you bring your bike in a coach. You have to take off at least both wheels and place a frame between them to arrange your bike in this bag.
This special bike bag costs around 5.000-8.000 yen in bike shop in Japan.

transport page for more information.