Rules and Etiquette for Cycling

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Cyclists should also be law-abiding drivers

(Slogan for Hiroshima Prefecture's Better Biking Etiquette Month in FY2022)

Bicycles are used by many due to their convenience and ease of use and have recently gained renewed attention as an environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transport. The number of cyclists has been increasing annually as more and more people bike to work.

However, as the number of cyclists increases, accidents involving bicycles have become more frequent, accounting for approximately a quarter of all traffic accidents in FY2021. These accidents have occured due to a lack of awareness that bicycles are also vehicles and must follow traffic rules.

When riding a bicycle, follow traffic rules and cycling etiquette, and be considerate of others.

Bicycle insurance to become mandatory from April 1, 2023

In accordance with the Hiroshima Prefectural Ordinance on Promoting Bicycle Use and the Safe and Proper Use of Bicycles＜外部リンク＞, bicycle insurance, such as the Traffic Safety (TS) mark insurance, liability insurance, etc., will be legally required.

Mandatory bicycle insurance refers to insurance that provides compensation for damages caused to the lives and bodies of others by bicycle-induced accidents.

Bicycle users of all ages are required to make sincere efforts to wear helmets starting April 1, 2023

Under the revised Road Traffic Act, all bicycle users are obliged to try wearing bike helmets while riding. Those responsible for the safety of children and infants are required to make sincere efforts to ensure those in their care wear helmets when they ride or accompany them on bicycles. As the fatality rate for non-helmet wearers is higher in comparison, it is therefore important for cyclists to wear helmets to avoid fatal head injuries in the event of a fall.

Effective as of October 10, 2018, cycling is not allowed in Hondori, Kanaza-gai, and Ebisu-dori from 10 am to 8 pm (previously 12 pm to 8 pm)

Please contact the Hiroshima Central Police Station (082-224-0110) for more information.

The five safety rules of cycling

In principle, stick to the road and keep to the left.
Only ride on sidewalks when permitted and yield to pedestrians.
Obey traffic signals and stop signs at intersections and check if it is safe to proceed
Turn on your bicycle lights when cycling at night
Never ride under the influence of alcohol
Wear a helmet

The proper way to ride a bicycle

Where should you ride?

Cyclists tend to ride on sidewalks as if they are pedestrians, but bicycles are actually classified as light road vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. In principle, you should always ride on roads (left side) instead of sidewalks.

However, the following exceptions may be made if cyclists adhere to traffic rules while riding. 自転車歩道通行可

When there is a Pedestrians and Bicycles Only sign (see right)
When the cyclist is under 13 years of age, over 70 years of age, or physically disabled
When it is inevitable to ride on sidewalks for safety reasons due to road or traffic conditions

Examples of inevitable situations

When it is difficult to keep to the left due to road construction, a row of closely parked vehicles, etc.
When there is a risk of contact with vehicles attempting to overtake due to extremely heavy traffic, narrow road width, etc.

Rules for riding on sidewalks

When riding on sidewalks, ride between the middle of the sidewalk and the road. However, use designated bicycle lanes marked by road surface markings (see right) when available.

自転車通行帯

Do not ride on the right side of the sidewalk when trying to enter the road
Keep an eye on oncoming cyclists as they pass you on your right

Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks. As such, always ride at a speed that allows you to stop immediately and be sure to pause when there is a risk of obstructing pedestrian traffic.

Cyclist Safety Education Course

Starting in June 2015, cyclists who get ticketed twice or more for dangerous cycling behaviors on the road within a three-year period will be ordered by the Prefectural Public Safety Commission to take a Cyclist Safety Education Course. Failure to attend the course will result in a fine of up to 50,000 yen.

15 dangerous cycling behaviors and their penalties

Ignoring traffic signals (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Always obey traffic signals. Do not cross if the green pedestrian light starts flashing.

Riding in closed zones (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Cyclists are not allowed to ride in zones with signs that prohibit bicycle passage.
*Cycling in the shopping arcades of Hondori, Ebisu-dori, Kinza-gai, etc. is not allowed between 10 am to 8 pm.

Signs regarding bicycle passage (unless otherwise indicated by auxiliary signs)
Signs that prohibit passage and entry					Signs that prohibit traveling against designated direction

Closed to All	Closed to Vehicles	No Bicycles	No Entry to Vehicles	Pedestrians Only	One-way Traffic	One-way Traffic (Bicycles)

Riding on sidewalks without slowing down (Fine of up to 20,000 yen)
Slow down and watch out for pedestrians when riding on sidewalks where bicycles are allowed.
*Refer to Rules for riding on sidewalks (see above)
Not riding in designated zones (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Always keep to the left of the road when riding.
Impeding pedestrians when riding on shoulders (Fine of up to 20,000 yen)
When riding on shoulders where bicycles are allowed, go slow, and do not impede pedestrian traffic.
*Refer to Where should you ride? (see above)
Entering the train crossing when warning signals are activated (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Do not enter the train crossing when warning signals (barrier, lights, alarms) are activated.
Violating safety regulations at intersections (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
At intersections, ride safely, proceed at a safe speed, and pay special attention to other passing vehicles, oncoming vehicles turning right, and pedestrians crossing the road.
Failure to yield at intersections (Fine of up to 50,000 yen)
When turning right at intersections, yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and vehicles turning left.
Disregarding roundabout safety regulations (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Do not impede traffic flow when cycling through a roundabout. Slow down upon entry, proceed at a safe speed, and ride safely while paying careful attention to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Not obeying stop signs (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Come to a complete halt right before the stop line at intersections where a stop sign (see below) is present to ensure your safety.
Not riding on the appropriate side of sidewalks (Fine of up to 20,000 yen)
When riding on sidewalks, ride between the middle of the sidewalk and the road. However, ride on designated bicycle lanes marked by road surface markings when available. Go slow and pause when there is a risk of impeding pedestrian flow.
*Refer to Rules for riding on sidewalks (see above)
Riding bicycles with faulty brakes (Fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Ride bicycles equipped with brakes that are well maintained and working properly.
Cycling under the influence of alcohol (Penal servitude for up to five years or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen)
Cycling under the influence of alcohol is not allowed under any circumstances.
Reckless cycling (Penal servitude for up to three months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen)
Operate the handlebar, brakes, and other parts of the bicycle in a safe and secure manner, keep an eye on road and traffic conditions, and proceed safely at a speed that does not endanger others (do not hold an umbrella, use earphones or smartphones while riding)
Impeding other vehicles (Penal servitude for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen) Dangerous maneuvers, such as reversing, braking suddenly, or changing course abruptly with the purpose of impeding other vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Make sure you are covered in the event of an accident

Accidents resulting in large payouts for damages (see below) due to cyclists riding without lights at night and reckless cycling are on the rise. If found to be at fault, cyclists may have to shoulder a significant financial burden. As mentioned above, in accordance with the Hiroshima Prefectural Ordinance on Promoting Bicycle Use and the Safe and Proper Use of Bicycles＜外部リンク＞, it is mandatory to purchase bicycle insurance, such as the Traffic Safety (TS) mark insurance, liability insurance, etc., starting April 1, 2023.

Examples of accidents caused by cyclists and resulting payouts

自転車事故

Summary	Payout
An elementary school student was traveling uphill at night at 20-30 km/h when he collided head-on with a female pedestrian. The victim fell into a coma due to the accident.	Approx. 95,000,000 yen
A high school student who was riding a bicycle had attempted to cross the road at an angle well before the bicycle crossing and collided with a man who was approaching from the opposite side of the road, leaving the latter with serious permanent disabilities.	Approx. 93,000,000 yen
A man was riding downhill with a plastic bottle in his hand when he entered an intersection without slowing down and collided with a pedestrian crossing the street, resulting in the death of the latter.	Approx. 68,000,000 yen
A cyclist was distracted due to mobile phone usage and collided with a pedestrian, leaving the latter with severe permanent disabilities.	Approx. 50,000,000 yen
After colliding with a cyclist who was riding without lights at night, an elderly person fell over and died.	Approx. 20,000,000 yen

！！🚲🚲Check your bicycle insurance coverage🚲🚲！！

Bicycle Insurance Coverage Check Sheet (PDF/87KB)

The TS mark sticker: a symbol of security

The TS mark is a sticker applied to bicycles that have undergone inspection and maintenance checks conducted by a bicycle safety mechanic working at a bicycle safety maintenance and repair shop. It provides coverage for the rider in the event of an emergency as it comes with a one-year supplemental insurance policy that includes both liability and accident insurance.

How do I sign up for TS mark insurance?

TS mark stickers are available at all bicycle safety maintenance and repair shops across Japan. Ask a staff for one when bringing your bicycle in for inspection and maintenance checks.

TS mark stickers require no additional fee, you only need to pay for your bicycle’s inspection and maintenance checks. The cost varies, but typically costs between 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen (parts that need replacing will be charged separately)

It is not possible to receive a TS mark sticker without undergoing inspection and maintenance checks.

What does TS mark insurance cover?

TS mark insurance applies to all bicycles with the TS mark sticker. It covers not only the owner of the bicycle, but also family and friends who may borrow the bicycle.　

Types of TS marks and insurance coverage

Types of TS Marks		Type 1 (Blue mark)	Type 2 (Red mark)	Type 3 (Green mark)
Accident compensation	Hospitalization (15 days or more)	10,000 yen	100,000 yen	50,000 yen
Accident compensation	Death and severe permanent disability (levels one to four)	300,000 yen	1,000,000 yen	500,000 yen
Monetary compensation	Hospitalization (15 days or more)	―	100,000 yen	*Compensated by liability coverage
Liability coverage	Death and severe permanent disability (levels one to seven)	10,000,000 yen	100,000,000 yen	100,000,000 yen

Promoting cycling etiquette in Hiroshima City

With accidents involving bicycles accounting for about a quarter of all traffic accidents, the City works with local police departments, schools, and community groups, to conduct annual public campaigns in June and February, near train stations and schools where there are many cyclists, to promote cycling etiquette.

The City also works with local shopping district associations, police stations, and other organizations, to direct bicycle traffic and provide guidance for cycling ban violators on the 18th of every month (in principle) in shopping arcades like Hondori, etc.