Japan’s Police Agency Urges Cyclists to Follow Traffic Rules as New Enforcement Measures Loom

Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) is emphasizing that bicycles are classified as “light vehicles” under road traffic law, requiring riders to adhere to car-like rules for safety. In 2024, bicycle-related accidents totaled 67,531 cases, a decrease of 4,808 from the previous year, though many involve collisions with automobiles due to cyclist violations like failing to yield or stop. Starting April 1, 2026, cyclists aged 16 and older will face the traffic violation notification system—known as the “blue ticket”—for serious infractions.

Background

The NPA’s campaign, titled “Bicycles are Part of the Car Family ~ Follow the Rules and Drive Safely ~,” highlights bicycles’ legal status as vehicles that must prioritize roadways over sidewalks, except in specific cases like for children under 13, seniors over 70, or those with physical impairments. Key statistics reveal that about 75% of fatal or serious bicycle accidents involve cars, with right-angle collisions accounting for 55%—often due to cyclists’ failure to check safety or stop properly. In 2024, police issued around 1.33 million verbal warnings and detected 52,000 violations, focusing on signal violations and failure to stop.

Central to the initiative are the “Five Rules for Safe Bicycle Use,” established by the Traffic Policy Council in November 2022:

1. Stick to the road’s left side as the principle; sidewalks are exceptions where pedestrians take priority.
2. Obey signals and stops at intersections, always confirming safety.
3. Turn on lights at night.
4. No cycling under the influence of alcohol.
5. Wear helmets, especially for children.

Additional materials, including posters and leaflets, promote these rules and warn of upcoming penalties.

Future Outlook

From April 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the amended Road Traffic Law will extend the traffic violation notification system to cyclists aged 16+, allowing on-the-spot fines via “blue tickets” for egregious violations, similar to those for motorists. This aims to deter dangerous behaviors amid persistent accident trends. Police plan intensified enforcement in high-risk areas, alongside education for drivers and pedestrians to foster mutual respect. Long-term, the NPA expects reduced accidents through widespread awareness, with cyclist training programs and helmet promotion continuing.

Sources

• Primary: Bicycles are Part of the Car Family ~ Follow the Rules and Drive Safely ~ (NPA)
• Self-Defense Guide for Safe and Secure Bicycle Use (NPA PDF)
• Road Traffic Law Amendments Including Blue Tickets (Tokyo Metropolitan Police)
• Applying Traffic Violation Notification to Bicycles (Gifu Prefecture)
• Introduction of Blue Ticket System for Bicycles (Shizuoka Prefecture)