In another article, we provided information on how to choose a bicycle that fits your body.

Thanks to the positive feedback, we'd like to delve deeper and provide a checklist for choosing a bicycle.

Last time, the focus was on choosing a bicycle body that fits your physical build.

This time, it's more about how to choose accessories rather than the bicycle itself.

■Assumed Riding Distance

When choosing a bicycle, consider the assumed riding distance.

For example, if you're only going to a supermarket 1-2 km away, a "mamachari" (city bike) is fine, and any saddle might do.

However, if you're commuting 10 km one way, a mamachari would make your bottom hurt.

You'll need to choose something with decent cushioning.

■Bicycle Lights Are Essential

You sometimes see bicycles without lights, but by law, lights are mandatory for bicycles.

Strictly speaking, you're supposed to have your lights on even during the day, like a motorcycle.

While few people ride with their lights on during the day, if your bicycle doesn't have a light in the first place, you won't have an excuse if the police stop you.

Also, when using a light at night, some people say that if it's not very bright, it's as good as not having one at all.

The purpose of a bicycle light at night is not to illuminate the surroundings, but to make your presence (the bicycle's presence) known to cars and pedestrians.

Not using a light for your own reasons endangers both yourself and those around you.

Attaching a light securely to a bicycle can be surprisingly difficult, so we recommend purchasing a dedicated light.

■Theft Prevention is Also Important

When buying a bicycle, always buy a lock as well.

It's commonly called a "chain lock," but chains can actually be cut surprisingly easily, so we recommend a "wire lock" using a wire.

However, even wires can be cut if they're not thick enough, so a U-lock, which uses a U-shaped bar, is the most recommended.

When locking, it's a rule of thumb to use at least two types of locks.

It might seem a bit excessive, but it's to protect your valuable bicycle from theft.

There's nothing you can do after it's been stolen and you regret it.

The effectiveness of theft registration is questionable.

Theft registration is like a certificate of ownership.

All bicycle owners are required to register their bicycles for theft prevention.

Although not widely known, it has been mandated since 1994 (Heisei 6) in "Article 12 of the Act on the Promotion of Safe Bicycle Use and Comprehensive Measures for Bicycle Parking, etc."

This made theft registration compulsory, but since there are no penalties such as fines for unregistered bicycles, many people currently ride without registering them.

If you buy a bicycle at a store, they can handle the registration process for you; for online purchases, you can register online.

It requires renewal every 10 years, and the registration fee is 600 yen.

Even if you register, there aren't many benefits, and it doesn't significantly increase the chances of finding your bicycle if it's stolen, so in reality, it's debatable.

■Key Points for Choosing a Children's Bicycle

Up to this point, the focus has been on adult bicycles, but when choosing a children's bicycle, you need to consider some special aspects.

In addition to basic things like whether it fits their body, it's also important to check if it can adapt to the child's growth.

For children under elementary school age, a bicycle where the pedals can be removed and the pedal axle doesn't hit their feet when they move them is ideal.

For elementary school-aged children and older, it's best to choose one that can have training wheels attached and removed as they grow.

Also, it's best if the handlebars and saddle have a certain range of adjustment so they can be raised as the child grows taller.

For children in upper elementary school and older, also consider that they might ride their bicycle to cram school or other places.

If they will be riding at night, we recommend choosing one with a sturdy light and a reflector, and using the correct selection method.