"I want to know the traffic rules for mountain bikes." "I'm looking for an article that succinctly explains them with specific examples. I know there are various traffic rules, but I just want to know the bare minimum first."

Today, we will answer these questions.

Mountain bike traffic laws are stricter than those for cross bikes, city bikes, and other bicycles.

If you ride a mountain bike without knowing this, you could face penalties in the worst-case scenario.

Therefore, this time, we will introduce "how mountain bikes are treated under the Road Traffic Act" and "traffic rules that require particular attention when riding a mountain bike."

Anyone who rides a mountain bike on the road, even for a short distance, should be familiar with the traffic rules.

Treatment of Mountain Bikes (MTBs) Under the Road Traffic Act

Under the Road Traffic Act, mountain bikes are classified as light vehicles, while city bikes, road bikes, and cross bikes are specified as ordinary bicycles.

The reason for this difference in classification, even for bicycles, is for safety reasons, based on the width of the bicycle.

A light vehicle, as defined by the Road Traffic Act, refers to a bicycle with a length of 190 cm or more and a width of 60 cm or more.

Mountain bike handlebars generally have a width of 70 cm or more, and some models even have handlebars up to 80 cm depending on their purpose, which is why mountain bikes are classified as light vehicles. The width also includes any mirrors attached to the handlebars.

 

Why are mountain bike (MTB) handlebars typically 70 cm or wider?

The reason for the wide handlebars on mountain bikes (MTBs) is related to where mountain bikes are ridden. Since these bikes are primarily ridden in nature, they often encounter steep slopes and gravel roads. By making the handlebars wider, it becomes easier to press the bike body to the ground even on rough terrain.

Furthermore, rough roads demand precise handling. Wider handlebars allow for stable and subtle control of the bike, which is likely why mountain bike handlebars became wider.

In addition, with advancements in bicycle manufacturing technology, it became possible to attach high-performance parts and achieve higher speeds, necessitating wider handlebars for more stable riding. Another reason could be the increase in challenging courses in races, which required more force to push the bike into the ground.

 

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rules

・Keep to the left
・Do not drink and ride
・Aim to ride on the roadway
・Cannot ride on sidewalks or dedicated cycle paths
・Do not ride while looking at your smartphone or talking on the phone

The traffic rules for mountain bikes (MTBs) are as listed above.

This time, I've listed the minimum rules that should be observed.

 

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rule 1: Keep to the Left

The first traffic rule for mountain bikes (MTBs) is to strictly adhere to keeping to the left. Recently, there was an issue with many delivery drivers for a certain online food delivery service riding against traffic. You must follow the rule of keeping to the left.

Also, on a road with three lanes—a left-turn lane, a right-turn lane, and a straight-ahead lane—where should a bicycle, treated as an ordinary bicycle or light vehicle, position itself if it wants to turn right or go straight? Even if you want to turn right or go straight, you must strictly adhere to keeping to the left, so the correct position is in the left-turn lane. When making a right turn, you need to turn in two stages: straight and then right.

The penalty for not keeping to the left is imprisonment for up to 3 months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rule 2: Do not drink and ride

In fact, you must not ride a bicycle after drinking.

If caught, you could face imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rule 3: Aim to ride on the roadway

Most mountain bikes have handlebars wider than 70 cm, making them significantly wider than city bikes. Therefore, when riding a mountain bike, it is better to aim to ride on the roadway. It would be dangerous if a bicycle with wide handlebars sped on the sidewalk.

However, there are exceptions: elementary school students and seniors aged 70 or older are allowed to ride on sidewalks even if their bicycles are classified as light vehicles. Also, if an individual determines the situation to be dangerous, riding on the sidewalk is permitted regardless of age.

Regarding this personal judgment, referring to the "Bicycle Road Traffic Law" website, it states that situations where it is objectively unavoidable, not subjective, include "when there are many parked vehicles on the road and it is difficult to avoid them to the right," "when vehicle traffic is extremely heavy and the roadway is narrow," and "when there are individuals engaging in dangerous driving such as tailgating, swerving, or honking for no reason, which constitutes assault using a vehicle."


Since mountain bikes have wide handlebars, it is generally advisable to ride them on the roadway.

If the police determine that the above exceptions do not apply and you rode on the sidewalk, you will be subject to a fine of up to 20,000 yen.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rule 4: Cannot ride on sidewalks or dedicated cycle paths

Even though it's a light vehicle and doesn't require a license, it's generally treated the same as a vehicle and penalties apply. Except for specific exceptions, you must ride on the road. In addition, bicycles classified as light vehicles are prohibited from riding on dedicated cycle paths.

Dedicated cycle paths are those blue paths with bicycle symbols painted on the ground.

Mountain bikes have slightly stricter traffic rules than ordinary bicycles, so ride carefully.

Also, regarding how to handle situations when bicycles pass each other on a sidewalk, there are no specific legal provisions. However, the "Traffic Conduct Guidelines" established by the National Public Safety Commission recommend avoiding by keeping the other person to your right, so it might be good to remember this.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rule 5: Do not ride while looking at your smartphone or talking on the phone

Many recent accidents are caused by distracted driving. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 3 months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen.

There's also a way to cut mountain bike (MTB) handlebars

While most mountain bikes have handlebars 70 cm or wider, it's possible to cut them to a desired length.

If you don't primarily ride on mountain trails, you might consider cutting the handlebars and using your mountain bike mainly for city riding. A narrower handlebar is easier to navigate through singletrack areas lined with trees.

I'll omit how to cut handlebars here. All you need is a pipe cutter.

A pipe cutter compatible with 4-32mm is recommended. You can find them at home centers for about 500 to 1,500 yen.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Traffic Rules Explained Simply: Summary

・Keep to the left
・Cannot ride on sidewalks
・Cannot use sidewalks
・Do not drink and ride
・Do not ride while looking at your smartphone or talking on the phone

These are the traffic rules for mountain bikes.

While the rules are generally the same as for ordinary bicycles, it's important to note that mountain bikes, being classified as light vehicles, are prohibited from riding on sidewalks and dedicated cycle paths, and with exceptions, are not allowed to ride on sidewalks.

 

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