Cyclists who use mobile phones while riding in Japan could face up to six months in prison under strict new rules introduced on Friday.
Violations of the revised Road Traffic Act are punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 yen.
According to local media, the number of bicycle accidents began to rise in 2021 as more people chose to cycle instead of using public transport during the pandemic. Authorities are now rushing to regulate riders.
As well as cracking down on phone use, the new rules will also target cyclists caught driving under the influence of alcohol, with penalties of up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,278, £2,541).
Hours after the new law took effect, Osaka authorities confirmed on Friday that they had already recorded five violations, including two men who were caught riding their bikes while drunk. One of the men collided with another bicyclist, but no injuries were reported.
Under the new rules, anyone who causes a bicycle accident will be subject to a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($2,000, £1,500) or up to one year in prison.
Although the total number of traffic accidents in Japan may be on the decline, bicycle accidents are on the rise. According to local media, there will be more than 72,000 bicycle accidents in Japan in 2023, accounting for more than 20% of all traffic accidents in the country.
In the first half of 2024, one person died and 17 people were seriously injured in accidents caused by cyclists using mobile phones, the highest number since police began recording such statistics in 2007.
According to police, between 2018 and 2022, there were 454 accidents caused by cyclists using their phones, an increase of 50% compared to the previous five years.
The latest rules come amid a series of safety regulations aimed at keeping riders and pedestrians safe.
Last year, authorities made it mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets. In May, Japan’s parliament passed a bill allowing police to fine cyclists for traffic violations.
Unlike many other countries, cycling on sidewalks is legal and common practice in Japan.
