Five Rules for Safe Bicycle Use

The Five Rules for Safe Bicycle Use were updated on November 1, 2022.
Know the correct rules and use bicycles safely.

• Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Website (Five Rules for Safe Bicycle Use)(External Link)

1. Vehicles generally pass on the left side; sidewalks are an exception, prioritizing pedestrians.

Under the Road Traffic Act, bicycles are classified as light vehicles and must travel on the left side, the same as automobiles.
Please keep to the left edge of the left side of the road from the center when passing through.
Pedestrian passage is strictly an exception.
When using the sidewalk, slow down near the roadway, and if you are obstructing pedestrians, please get off and walk.
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks.

2. At intersections, obey traffic signals and stop signs, and ensure safety.

When crossing the roadway, follow the vehicle traffic signals; when crossing the sidewalk, follow the pedestrian traffic signals.
At locations with stop signs, just like automobiles, be sure to stop and check for safety on both sides.

3 Turn on the lights at night

Turning on the lights allows you to make your bicycle more visible to other vehicles and pedestrians.
For safety, turn on your lights at night and attach reflectors to your bicycle.

4. Driving under the influence is prohibited

Just like with automobiles, you must not ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol.
[Penalty] Imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen (in case of driving under the influence of alcohol)

5 Wear a helmet

About 60% of fatal accidents involving bicycle users result in fatal head injuries.
Also, if the chin strap is not fastened, the helmet will come off due to the impact of an accident, rendering it ineffective.
Wear your helmet properly by fastening the chin strap.
Due to the 2023 revision of the Road Traffic Act, all bicycle users must make efforts to wear helmets.

Let's stop driving like this

Driving while holding an umbrella and using a mobile phone

Do not ride a bicycle in a way that obstructs your view, such as holding an umbrella, or that may cause you to lose stability.
Also, do not drive while talking on a mobile phone or sending emails.
[Penalty] Fine of up to 50,000 yen

Related Links

• Cabinet Office Website (Regarding the Promotion of Safe Bicycle Use)(External Link)
• Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Website (Bicycle Traffic Rules)(External Link)