🚲 Bicycle Traffic Rules: What You Need to Know

Many people aren’t sure about bicycle rules—like whether it’s okay to ride on the sidewalk or which traffic lights to follow. Here’s a clear and simple guide to help you ride safely.

🚶 Can you ride on the sidewalk?

In principle, bicycles should ride on the road, but you may use the sidewalk in the following cases:

1　 When sidewalk riding is allowed

• When signs indicate bicycles are permitted
• When it is unavoidable for safety reasons, such as:
  • Road construction
  • Parked cars blocking the road
  • Heavy traffic or narrow roads

Note: If a police officer instructs you not to use the sidewalk, you must follow that instruction.

2 Rules for riding on the sidewalk

• Ride on the roadside (closer to the road)
• Ride slowly
• Stop if necessary to avoid blocking pedestrians

👉 Violation: Fine of 3,000 yen

3🚦 Which traffic lights should you follow?

• Riding on the road → follow vehicle traffic lights
• Riding on the sidewalk → follow pedestrian lights

However, if there is a sign saying
“Pedestrians and Bicycles Only”,
you must follow the pedestrian signal, even if you are on the road.

👉 Ignoring signals: Fine of 6,000 yen

4 🚸 Can you use crosswalks?

• You may cross using a crosswalk
• However, if pedestrians are present, do not interfere—slow down or get off your bike if necessary

If a bicycle crossing lane is available, you must use it.

👉 Violation: Fine of 5,000 yen

5 🚗 Where should you ride on the road?

• Always ride on the left side of the road
• Riding on the right side is considered wrong-way riding

👉 Violation: Fine of 6,000 yen

6🚲 Can you ride side by side?

• Riding side by side is not allowed

👉 Violation: Fine of 3,000 yen

7 🎧 Can you wear headphones?

In Nagano Prefecture:

• Riding while unable to hear surrounding sounds (wearing headphones) is prohibited

👉 Violation: Fine of 5,000 yen

8📱 No smartphone use while riding!

• Holding a phone to talk or look at the screen is illegal
  👉 Fine of 12,000 yen
• If it causes danger or an accident:
  👉 Up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine up to 300,000 yen

⚠️ This is one of the most serious bicycle violations.

9 ⛑ Should you wear a helmet?

Helmet use is strongly recommended.

👉 Wearing a helmet helps prevent serious injuries.