Did you know that there are actually laws regarding cycling that constitute criminal offenses?

Let's review some of the cycling laws that you can't claim ignorance about.

Riding against traffic is a crime

Bicycles are essentially vehicles that should be ridden on the left side of the road.

Bicycles are classified as "light vehicles" among other types of vehicles.

Riding against traffic can result in imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, according to Article 119 of the Road Traffic Act.

If you're wondering if riding on the sidewalk is acceptable, bicycles are not originally intended for sidewalk use.

When it is unavoidable to ride on the sidewalk for safety reasons, you should proceed slowly (at a speed where you can stop immediately) and keep to the side closer to the roadway.

Riding against traffic on a sidewalk is neither black nor white, as there's no specific mention of it in the law, but from a manners perspective, it's obstructive and dangerous, so perhaps it falls into a gray area.

If there are signs on the sidewalk, those signs apply, so please be aware that there may be areas where it is prohibited.

Riding against traffic on a one-way street

Do you pay attention to signs when cycling?

You probably do when driving a car, but bicycles are also considered vehicles.

Riding against traffic on a one-way street is also a legal violation, just like riding against traffic as mentioned above.

Unnecessary use of your bell is a crime

Many people are surprisingly unaware of the rules regarding bells.

Let's say you're riding and you see a pedestrian ahead, and you ring your bell "ding-ding" to alert them.

Although bicycle bells are referred to as "audible warning devices" in laws, that "ding-ding" might actually be a legal violation.

The Road Traffic Act states, "Unless otherwise provided by law, a driver of a vehicle shall not sound their audible warning device. However, this shall not apply when it is unavoidable to prevent danger."

When there are pedestrians, bicycles must not impede their progress.

There is a "pedestrian priority rule," which stipulates that if you obstruct pedestrians, you must stop temporarily.

No brakes or lights is a violation
Bicycles without brakes or with broken brakes are illegal.

The revised Road Traffic Act, effective June 1, 2015, defines 14 "dangerous acts" for bicycles, and "riding a bicycle with defective braking devices" is one of them.

Regarding lights, Article 52 states, "Vehicles, etc., when on a road at night, must have headlights, clearance lamps, taillights, and other lights lit as stipulated by Cabinet Order. In cases stipulated by Cabinet Order, the same shall apply even during times other than night."

Interpreted literally, this means not having lights on even during the day is a crime.

Just like motorcycles, bicycles are actually required to have their lights on even during the day.

Is riding with earphones a legal violation?

Wireless earphones are popular nowadays, so you might want to listen to your favorite music while cycling.

However, you might be stopped by a police officer if you're riding with earphones on.

I myself have been stopped by a police officer for this reason.

While the Road Traffic Act does not explicitly state "no earphones," it can be considered dangerous driving in some cases, leading to a warning.

It depends on the interpretation, so you could say it's a "gray area."

However, some prefectures have ordinances prohibiting it, so it could be a violation of local regulations.

Summary

What do you think?

Were there things you knew, and things you didn't?

When it comes to the law, "I didn't know" is not an excuse.

In the case of bicycles, it might sometimes end with just a warning, but for egregious offenses, there can be fines or even imprisonment.

The point is not just "because it's against the law," but rather, let's follow the rules of the law for safe riding and enjoy our cycling life.