Starting Friday, Japanese authorities have implemented stringent regulations for cyclists using mobile phones while riding. Under this new legislation, offenders may confront up to six months in prison or hefty fines reaching 100,000 yen (approximately $655 or £508). This crackdown arises from a notable increase in cycling incidents, stemming from a surge in bicycle usage during the pandemic as individuals sought alternatives to public transport.
In addition to addressing phone distractions, the revised traffic law also emphasizes the dangers of cycling under the influence of alcohol, imposing penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of 500,000 yen ($3,278; £2,541) for such violations. Just hours after the regulations were enforced, authorities in Osaka reported five instances of lawbreaking, which included two cyclists caught riding while intoxicated; fortunately, no injuries resulted from these incidents.
Statistics reveal that more than 72,000 bicycle accidents occurred in Japan in 2023 alone, representing over 20% of all traffic accidents in the nation. Authorities also noted alarming trends: in the first half of 2024, one fatality and 17 severe injuries were reported due to cyclist phone use—marking the highest statistics since record-keeping began in 2007. Between 2018 and 2022, 454 accidents were linked to cyclists utilizing their phones, indicating a 50% rise compared to the previous five years.
These recent laws are part of a broader commitment to enhancing the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians. Previous regulations included mandatory helmet usage for cyclists, and the enactment of a bill last May allowing police to issue fines for traffic violations committed by cyclists. As Japan seeks to improve road safety, these new measures aim to curtail reckless behavior on bicycles and reduce the risk to all road users.
