Japanese Cyclists Face Jail for Mobile Phone Use Under New Laws

New stringent regulations implemented in Japan on Friday could result in cyclists who use a mobile phone while riding facing up to six months in jail. Violators of the amended road traffic law are subject to a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or a fine of 100,000 yen ($655; £508). Local media reports indicate that the incidence of accidents involving cyclists began to increase in 2021, a period when more individuals chose cycling over public transportation due to the pandemic. Consequently, authorities are now actively working to regulate cyclists. In addition to addressing mobile phone use, the new legislation also targets cyclists operating under the influence of alcohol, stipulating a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,278; £2,541). On Friday, mere hours after the new laws took effect, Osaka authorities confirmed five recorded violations, among them two men apprehended for cycling while intoxicated. One of these individuals was involved in a collision with another cyclist; however, no injuries were reported. The new regulations also stipulate that cyclists responsible for causing accidents may face a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($2,000; £1,500) or imprisonment for up to one year. While the overall number of traffic accidents throughout Japan might be decreasing, bicycle-related accidents are increasing. Local media reports indicate that over 72,000 bicycle accidents were documented in Japan in 2023, constituting more than 20% of the nation’s total traffic accidents. During the first six months of 2024, accidents involving cyclists using their phones resulted in one fatality and 17 serious injuries. This represents the highest figure since police began compiling these statistics in 2007. Police data shows that 454 accidents were attributed to cyclists using phones between 2018 and 2022, marking a 50% rise compared to the preceding five-year interval. These most recent regulations are part of a broader set of safety measures designed to safeguard both cyclists and pedestrians. Last year, authorities mandated helmet use for cyclists. Furthermore, in May, Japan’s parliament approved legislation empowering police to issue fines to cyclists for traffic infractions. In contrast to numerous other nations, cycling on pavements is permissible and a widespread practice in Japan.