May Is Bicycle Month

●Bicycle Safe-Use Tokyo Campaign
The Bicycle Safe-Use Tokyo campaign will be conducted throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area from May 1 to 31. Be sure to follow all traffic rules, such as the five safe-use rules for bicycles noted below, and be considerate of others.

○ Five safe-use rules for bicycles
Bicycles are considered vehicles, and it is extremely dangerous to unknowingly violate traffic rules. Please learn the traffic rules and ride your bicycle safely.
(1) As a rule, bicycles should be ridden on the street; riding on the sidewalk is an exception
According to the Road Traffic Act, bicycles are considered light road vehicles. As a rule, when there is a distinction between the sidewalk and the street, ride your bicycle on the street.

(2) Traffic flows on the left side of the street
Please ride your bicycle on the left side of the street

(3) Pedestrians have the right of way on the sidewalk; bicycles should be ridden slowly on the side closest to the street
Please ride on the sidewalk slowly enough that you can stop immediately; if pedestrians are in your way, you must stop temporarily.

(4) Observe safety rules
Violators will be punished with a fine.
● Cyclists may not ride while under the influence of alcohol
Penalty: Up to five years in jail, or up to 1,000,000 yen in fines.
Note: If riding under the influence of alcohol.
● Riding with passengers is not permitted
Penalty: Up to 20,000 yen in fines
● Riding side-by-side with other bicycles is not permitted
Penalty: Up to 20,000 yen in fines
Note: This is only permitted if there is a sign that permits riding side-by-side with other bicycles.
● Observe traffic signals
Penalty: Up to three months in jail, or up to 50,000 yen in fines.
● Make a complete stop at intersections and check for safety
Penalty: Up to three months in jail, or up to 50,000 yen in fines.
Note: Obey all stop signs, and slow down when going from a narrow road to a broad street.
● Use a headlight at night
Penalty: Up to 50,000 yen in fines.
Note: Attach a headlight and taillights or reflectors on your bicycle.

(5) Always have your child wear a helmet when riding a bicycle
If you are the parent or guardian of a schoolchild or preschooler and your child rides a bicycle, always have him/her wear a helmet.

Inquiries: Traffic Safety Subsection, Civil Engineering Administration Section
(Tel: 03-5742-6615, Fax: 03-5742-6887)