The bicycle is a very used means of transportation in Japan, especially in large metropolises like Tokyo. Japan ranks third in the world for the highest number of bicycles.
The car is not as popular as in Brazil, since it is possible to get around the entire country by trains and subways. So most Japanese people use bicycles to commute to work, markets, shopping, daycare, schools, doctors, and other short-distance trips. Riding a bicycle is often much faster and more convenient than taking a train or driving a car.
Unlike cars, bicycle parking is easier to find and sometimes free. Since there is safety and education in Japan, bicycles can be parked without any worry. Riding a bicycle can be much more practical than facing queues and traffic jams in large metropolises.
Despite the technology, most bicycles in Japan are simple, some tend to have baskets in front, and this does not mean that the bicycle is feminine. Bicycle prices usually range from 10,000 to 30,000 yen, but it is possible to find even cheaper ones in second-hand stores. Bicycles with this basket are known as Mama Chari.
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Traffic Laws
The Japanese comply with traffic laws and usually respect pedestrians and cyclists. But cyclists also have several rules to follow. Breaking some of the laws below can result in fines and even imprisonment.
It is possible to register your bicycle at a police station, your bike receives an anti-theft registration number “Jitensha Bouhan Toroku,” in case someone steals your bicycle, it will be easier to find it.
In Japan, cyclists ride on sidewalks only if there is signage and a lane for cyclists. Otherwise, they must ride on the road, along with cars, and always on the left.
It is prohibited to give a ride to someone (who is not a child) on your bicycle. You may receive a fine of 20,000 yen (about 600 reais).
Children under 13 years old are required to wear a helmet, and those under 6 years old must be in a child seat.
Using an umbrella, listening to music, or using your phone while riding a bike can result in a fine of up to 50,000 yen (1600 reais).
You cannot cross a pedestrian crossing while mounted on the bicycle. And remember to always use the headlight at night.
It is prohibited to ride a bicycle while intoxicated. This can result in a fine of 1 million yen and up to 5 years in prison.
Take good care of your safety and your bike. Leaving bicycles abandoned anywhere can also result in a fine. By following these rules and traffic signs, you will be free of problems.
Since Japan is a very safe country, the police spend a lot of their time fining cyclists who violate the laws. So think carefully before doing something wrong. People tend to be more afraid of the police when they are on a bicycle. It may seem that the Japanese are saints, but they often violate the laws for cyclists.
Care
Although Japan is a safe country, some bicycle thefts do occur. Some people sometimes take someone else’s bicycle to go to a certain place. Most of the time they return the bicycle to where it was. But some tend to steal or leave it abandoned anywhere when they no longer need it.
Videos
There are many things to talk about bicycles in Japan, but today we will stop here. To conclude, we will leave some interesting videos about bicycles in Japan.
The video below shows a bit of Japan and its bicycles.
See a modern bicycle parking in Japan:
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