Illustrative images recorded in Mie’s Unten Menkyo Center.

As of June 1st, 2015 the “Training System for Cyclists” come into effect. The cyclists who commit repeated traffic violation will be required to attend a 3- hour training. The training will cost the participants ¥5.700. In the case a cyclist does not attend the training after receiving the order,a fine of up to ¥50.000will be applied.

This new system has been created in order to make the cyclists aware the traffic law for bicycles are not different from those for vehicles.

See below some dangerous attitudes committed by cyclists that can bring about the penalties according to the new law.

Ignoring traffic signals– As well as vehicles, cyclists are prohibited to go through a red signal.

Riding a bicycle safely– People who ride a bicycle should follow the traffic laws to ensure the safety of all who transit around. In rainy days, it is prohibited to ride a bicycle holding an umbrella.

Not stopping in locations where there is the signal STOP– At locations where there is the sign TOMARE [止まれ], cyclists must stop before go straight ahead.

Riding a bicycle incorrectly on thesidewalk – People should ride a bicycle on the streets, but only there are signs indicating it is allowed, this is valid only for small children. Cyclists should pass through near the streets and stop when is necessary, as long as it does not bring inconvenience for pedestrians.

Riding a bicycle with non-working brakes– riding a bicycle with partially or totally damaged brakes is considered a violation. And attention to people who pass through streets riding racing bicycles, whose breaks are placed only in the front or only in the back, since this law will also be applied for these models of bicycles.

Riding a bicycle while intoxicated – As well as drivers it is prohibited to ride a bicycle while intoxicated.

In addition to the attitudes cited above, there are 8 others considered dangerous.

We interviewed one of the people in charge of Mie Prefecture central police, who talked about the obligation of attending a training for cyclists.

[Interview with Mr. Kawamoto in charge of traffic planning sector of Mie Prefectural Police]

Questions:

1- What are the main points we should be careful when riding a bicycle?

“As of June 1st 2015 the training system for cyclists went into effect. Cyclists who commit repeatedly violation as the ones just cited above, will be required to attend this training. The violations cited in this video are part of the ones within this training system. Cyclists should understand all the traffic laws correctly and practice them in order to ride a bicycle in a safe way.

2- How will be the procedures regarding the violators?

“Violators who are required to attend a training for cyclists and do not obey the law it will be considered a violation of police order, and they will be fined up to ¥50.000.”

3- Could you leave some advice to foreign citizens?

“Those who follow the traffic laws correctly will not be subjected to the obligation of attending a training for cyclists. Several people can find difficulties on Japanese traffic laws since they are different depending on the country of origin, but these laws were determined to avoid traffic accidents, therefore I urge people to follow them correctly.

From the moment all the drivers, cyclists and pedestrians respect traffic laws, the number of accidents can bereduced considerably.

Let’s be aware on thetraffic laws and rules and put into practice all the necessary attention to protect the life of others and at the same time our own life.

 

 

See also:

Encouraging Safe Bicycle Use