Japan has implemented very tough laws targeting cyclists. Starting on Friday, it banned cyclists from using their mobile phones in the saddle, a conviction of which could attract them fines and up to a six-month jail term as fines range between 100,000 yen ( about $655 or £508 ). This comes following a disturbing rise in cycling accidents since 2021, which is partly ascribed to the increasing population of people opting to ride bicycles instead of using public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background of the New Rules
These regulations are set up in place due to a shocking trend of cycling accidents due to concerns raised by authorities pertaining to the safety of these cyclists. With as high a number as 72,000 bicycle accidents documented to have already occurred during just one calendar year-Japan, 2023-the year has been so bleak that more than one in every five traffic mishaps occurring were bicycle-related incidents caused by traffic. High-level regulatory and safety interventions must be called for thereby being a cause of much concern.
“The dangerous trend is mobile phone misuse and misuse of mobile equipment.”. Statistics, which have emerged recently, show a tremendous increase in accidents related to the use of phones. During the first half of 2024, one fatality and 17 serious injuries were reported, which involved cyclists using their phones for either communication or other forms of distractions. This is the most reported case of such an incident ever since statistics began being documented in 2007. In addition, between 2018 and 2022, there were 454 accidents associated with mobile phone use by cyclists, a figure that increased by a whooping 50% as compared to the previous five-year period.
Alcohol Regulations
Apart from prohibiting the use of cell phones, the new law also imposed harsh penalties on cyclists riding under the influence of alcohol. Offenders can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, approximately $3,278 or £2,541. This is part of an overall effort to reduce careless behavior by cyclists and improve safety for both riders and pedestrians.
Early Violations and Breach Reporting
In the first few hours after introducing the new traffic rules, Osaka reported five violations of the newly introduced traffic law, two of which were riding under influence. In one of these accidents, a collision with another cycle occurred, but fortunately, no injury case was reported in this case. These early violations thus point to a need for enforcement and adherence from now onwards.
Historical Safety Measures
These new laws have been implemented following a series of safety measures that were taken to protect both the cyclists and the pedestrians. Last year, Japanese authorities made it mandatory for all cyclists to wear helmets. Last month, Japan’s parliament passed legislation that enables police to fine cyclists who break traffic rules.
Public Response and Future Impact
Public and cycling responses to these new laws cannot be predicted. Advocates for cyclist safety have called out the regulation as unfairly targeting responsible cyclists while the root causes of accidents, infrastructure challenges, and the call for better public awareness campaigns concerning safe cycling practices, may not be touched upon.
These new rules demand the notice of a maturing population of citizens towards cycling. The government argues that with the number of cyclists in urban sectors where the commuting pattern shifted post-pandemic, proper safety standards must also prevail for the safety of other road users.
The introduction of new rules and regulations for cyclers in Japan is made for the proactive improvement in safety on the roads caused due to a higher accident rate among cyclers. The authorities will focus on the use of mobile phones and alcohol impairment, which are the common factors that cause accidents, to make the city safe for cyclists and pedestrians. The effectiveness of the rules will be determined by enforcement, public compliance, and continuous education of cyclists about safe cycling practices. With these changes, Japan may become a model country for other nations facing similar problems related to bicycle safety and urban mobility.
