Bicycles are a popular means of transport in Japan, especially in large cities like Tokyo. Japan ranks third as the country with the most bicycles in the world.
The car is not super popular like in Brazil, since it is possible to get around the whole country with trens e metros. So most Japanese people use bicycles to get to work, the market, shopping, daycare, schools, doctors, and other short-distance trips. Riding a bicycle is most of the time much faster and more convenient than taking a train or driving a car.
Unlike cars, bike parking spaces are easier to find and sometimes free. Since in 日本 there is security and education, bikes can be parked without any worry. Riding a bike can be much more practical than facing lines and traffic jams in large metropolises.
Despite the technology, most bikes in Japan are simple, some often have baskets in the front, and that doesn't mean the bike is female. Bike prices are usually between 10,000 and 30,000 yen, but you can find even cheaper at second-hand stores. Bikes that have this basket are known as Mama Chari.
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Transit laws
The Japanese abide by traffic laws and tend to respect pedestrians and cyclists. But cyclists also have several rules to follow. Breaking some of the laws below can result in a fine and even imprisonment.
It is possible to your bike at some police station, your bike receives an anti-theft registration number “Jitensha Bouhan Toroku”, if someone steals your bicycle, it will be easier to find it.
In Japan, cyclists ride on sidewalks only if there are signs and lanes for cyclists. Otherwise, they must walk on the street, along with the cars, and always to the left.
It is forbidden to give someone (other than a child) a ride on your bicycle. You can get a fine of 20,000 円 (about 600 reais).
Children under 13 years old are required to wear a helmet, and children under 6 years old must use a car seat.
Using an umbrella, listening to music, using the phone while riding a bike can result in a fine of up to 50,000 円 (1600 reais).
You cannot cross a pedestrian lane mounted on the bicycle. And to always use the headlight at night.
Cycling under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. This can result in a fine of 1 million yen and up to 5 years in prison.
Take good care of your safety and your bike. Leaving bikes lying around can also get you a fine. By following these rules and traffic signs, you will be out of trouble.
As Japan is a very safe country, the police use a lot of their time to fine cyclists who break the laws. So think carefully before you do anything. People tend to be more afraid of the police when they are on a bicycle. It might seem like the Japanese are saints, but they inflict a lot of bike laws.
care
Despite Japan being a safe country, there are some bicycle thefts. Some people sometimes take someone else's bike to go somewhere. Most of the time she returns the bike to where it was. But some tend to steal, or leave it anywhere when they don't need it anymore.
Footage
There are many things to say about bicycles in Japan, but today we stop here. Finally, let's leave some interesting videos about bicycles in Japan.
The video below shows a little bit of Japan and its bikes.
See a modern bicycle parking in Japan:
