News Accidents caused by cyclists using phones doubles

Japan is grappling with a rising number of accidents involving distracted cyclists. The National Police Agency reported a record-breaking number of serious injuries and deaths from bike-related incidents in the first half of 2024. With 18 accidents, including 17 severe injuries and one fatality, the data reveals a more than twofold increase compared to the same period last year. Most of these incidents involved cyclists using their phones to watch videos or make calls. In response to this alarming trend, the Japanese government has amended the Road Traffic Law, which will come into effect in November, criminalizing the use of smartphones while cycling.

Distracted Cyclist Accidents (2019-2023):

• Total serious accidents: 102
• Over 50% of involved cyclists under 20 years old
• Nearly 20% of involved cyclists in their 20s
• Over 10% of involved cyclists in their 30s
• Cars involved in 36.3% of accidents
• Pedestrians involved in 34.3% of accidents
• Other bicycles involved in 26.5% of accidents

Distracted Driver Accidents (Jan-Jun 2024):

• Fatal accidents: 14
• Serious injuries: 44

As of today, a revised Japanese traffic law takes effect. It introduces prison terms and fines for cyclists who use their mobile phones or ride while under the influence of alcohol.

People found to have used their mobile phones while cycling face imprisonment of up to six months or fines of 100,000 yen ($650), with prison terms of up to one year or fines of 300,000 yen if they have caused accidents. Previously, mobile phone use while cycling was punished according to rules set by local public safety commissions, with offenders facing fines of up to 50,000 yen. The revised Road Traffic Act also strengthened penalties for people who cycle under the influence of alcohol. Riders found with more than 0.15 milligram of alcohol per liter of breath face prison terms of up to three years or fines of 500,000 yen. Cyclists under the influence of alcohol already faced prison terms of up to five years or fines of 1 million yen if they were deemed unable to ride safely irrespective of their alcohol levels.

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According to the NPA, 295 accidents were caused by cyclists using mobile phones between 2013 and 2017, but the number of cases increased by more than 50 per cent to 454 in the following five-year period.

That's so irresponsible. I can't understand why anyone would use their phone while on a bicycle. If you need to use it just stop for a while to answer your call or check what you need to check (like the way on Google maps). It's very easy to stop on a bicycle.

Many European countries have already made it illegal to use a mobile phone while riding a bike, including the Netherlands (since 2019), Belgium Germany, France and Spain.

Yes, mostly l see high school students use phones.

Bicycle "Penalties Strengthened" Moped Crackdown in Kabukicho


Following the stricter penalties for distracted riding on bicycles that came into effect on the 1st, bicycle crackdowns were carried out across Tokyo.

Crackdowns focused on bicycles in front of Nakameguro Station in Tokyo.

From the 1st, penalties have been increased for two types of dangerous acts while riding a bicycle: using a mobile phone and being under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, in Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, a crackdown was carried out on mopeds or small motorbikes with pedals.

The Metropolitan Police Department calls for mopeds to be treated like cars and fitted with license plates.

A man in his 50s has been charged in Osaka Prefecture for cycling under the influence of alcohol, marking the first such case under Japan's newly tightened traffic regulations. This comes as the prefecture grapples with a significant rise in cyclist fatalities, with 24 fatal accidents reported this year.




The revised Road Traffic Law, which took effect on Friday, imposes stricter penalties on intoxicated cyclists. A blood alcohol content of 0.15 milligrams per litre of breath is now the threshold for criminal charges, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Additionally, the law addresses the issue of distracted cycling. Cyclists who use mobile devices while riding and cause accidents or endanger others could face up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. Those who talk or look at their phones while cycling risk a six-month prison sentence or a 100,000 yen fine.