Japan has introduced stringent new laws, with penalties of up to six months in prison or fines reaching 100,000 yen ($655; £508) for cyclists caught using their mobile phones while riding.
This significant shift in Japan’s road traffic regulations took effect Friday, marking a response to the rising number of accidents as more individuals opted to cycle instead of using public transportation since the pandemic began.
The revised Road Traffic Act addresses multiple safety concerns. Beyond mobile phone use, it also targets cyclists riding under the influence of alcohol, an offence that now carries a potential penalty of three years imprisonment or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,278; £2,541).
Authorities in Osaka reported seven violations within hours of the law’s enactment, including two incidents involving cyclists under the influence of alcohol, one of whom collided with another cyclist. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in these early cases.
The Rising Concern of Cycling Accidents
Japan’s concerns about cycling safety are not without merit. According to local media, over 72,000 bicycle accidents were reported in 2023 alone, constituting over 20% of all traffic accidents in Japan. Cycling accidents began to surge around 2021, when the pandemic led more people to choose bicycles over public transport. Local authorities are now under pressure to regulate cyclists and safeguard both riders and pedestrians.
Data from the first half of 2024 highlights the dangers of mobile phone use while cycling, with one fatality and 17 serious injuries linked to phone-related accidents. This is the highest number since police began recording such incidents in 2007. Between 2018 and 2022, accidents caused by phone-using cyclists increased by 50% from the previous five-year period, totaling 454 incidents.
Enhanced Penalties to Deter Reckless Cycling
Under the new legislation, any cyclist caught even glancing at their phone could face a maximum jail sentence of six months or a fine of 100,000 yen. If phone use results in a collision, the penalties increase, with potential jail time of up to one year or a fine of 300,000 yen ($2,000; £1,500).
The law also includes stricter measures against drunk cycling. A blood alcohol concentration reading exceeding 0.15mg per liter can result in a three-year prison sentence or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Additionally, any individual who knowingly provides alcohol to cyclists before they ride faces up to two years in prison or a 300,000 yen fine.
A Broader Effort for Cyclist Safety
Japan’s new laws follow a trend of enhanced safety regulations aimed at cyclists. In recent years, authorities have made helmets mandatory for all cyclists, although the measure lacks an enforcement mechanism. The country joins nations like Australia and New Zealand with national helmet laws for cyclists of all ages. Earlier this year, the Japanese parliament also passed a bill empowering police to fine cyclists for traffic violations, emphasizing a focus on responsible cycling behavior.
Unlike many other countries, cycling on sidewalks remains legal in Japan, though this practice has contributed to collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. The revised laws reflect Japan’s commitment to creating a safer environment for all road users by holding cyclists to stricter safety standards.
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