23/04/2026
🚴♂️ JAPAN BICYCLE RULES UPDATE (2026) 🇯🇵
Important for Foreigners Living in Japan
Starting April 2026, Japan is strengthening the enforcement of bicycle rules.
Bicycles are legally treated as vehicles, and violations may result in fines.
⚠️ ABOUT FINES (IMPORTANT)
Japan is introducing a system where police can issue on-the-spot fines (“blue tickets”) for bicycle violations.
👉 This system is being gradually implemented across Japan
👉 Enforcement may vary depending on the area, but Kanagawa (including Hiratsuka) is already strict
🚫 COMMON VIOLATIONS & POSSIBLE FINES
💴 Around ¥12,000
Using a mobile phone while riding
💴 Around ¥6,000
Running red lights
Riding on the wrong side of the road
💴 Around ¥5,000
Using umbrella while riding
Wearing earphones
No bicycle light at night
Ignoring stop signs
💴 Around ¥3,000
Riding double (2 people on one bike)
Riding side-by-side
👉 Penalties may vary depending on the situation and enforcement.
⚠️ BASIC RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW
✔️ Ride on the LEFT side of the road
✔️ Follow traffic lights and signs
✔️ Use lights at night
✔️ Give priority to pedestrians
✔️ Do NOT drink and ride
🚨 Drunk cycling can result in serious penalties (large fines or imprisonment)
🪖 HELMET RULE
Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders
Required for children under 13
Currently, there is no direct fine for adults not wearing a helmet
🚶♂️ SIDEWALK RULE
❌ In general, bicycles should NOT use sidewalks
✅ Allowed only in certain cases (signs, children, elderly, safety reasons)
👉 Even when allowed:
Ride slowly
Always give priority to pedestrians
📍 KANAGAWA / HIRATSUKA NOTE
✔️ Bicycle rules follow national law
✔️ Bicycle insurance is REQUIRED in Kanagawa
✔️ Police enforcement is becoming stricter
❗ IMPORTANT REMINDER
Even if others ignore the rules, you can still be stopped and fined.
🚲 In Japan, a bicycle is not just a bike — it is a vehicle.
👉 Follow the rules. Stay safe. Avoid trouble.
#平塚市 #平塚 #湘南平塚
平塚の皆さまへ📣
「自転車ルール」を英語で発信しています。🚲✨
もし周りに外国人のご友人や近所の方がいらっしゃいましたら、ぜひこの情報を広めていただけないでしょうか?
みんなで安全に暮らせる街づくりのために、ご協力どうぞよろしくお願いいたします!🙏