Illegal to Use Bike Bell.. 😲 How Strict Are Cycling Laws in Japan?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Which of these rules was most surprising to you, and how do these laws compare to your country? Let us know in the comments! Also a special thank you to Tomoko for helping out with today's video!

[@tomokotomoko]

Two Wheel Cruise Thank you for having me in your video! 😊 Do I look like...I'm drunk? 😅 Noo! I'm just energetic! 😉

[@hilmanda4013]

what if we bring our own bicycle from the country and used it as a commuter in Japan, do we have to register it with prove of ownership (picture of the bike and the rider per se)?

[@syukrihashim8951]

Thanks for the information 😁very useful

[@michaelrhoades6360]

For music, would using bone conducting headphones be illegal?

[@Korschtal]

And a third one... Sorry, I'm helping my son with homework and thinking up questions as I go... If you have to have hands on handlebars all the time, does that mean we are free from the obligation to signal before turning? Or am I reading that a bit too literally?

[@tomokotomoko]

I ride my bike everyday. Cruise asked me some questions about the cycling laws in Japan. It's interesting to me, too! Thank you for making this video, Cruise! (and thanks to your wife! too! ) ^^

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It was also interesting to hear your input, thanks again Tomoko!

[@ntr10me]

Wow, I use my bell a lot on trails and riding on the roads here in Toronto. Still, riding around on bike in Japanese cities sounds like the best way to see everything. Whether you are in the city or the countryside, there is just so much to see. ^_^

[@tomokotomoko]

@@ntr10me Tronto! When I go there, I'll ride a bike!

[@ntr10me]

@@tomokotomoko はいっ^_^来てください Toronto is increasingly bike-friendly, but riders and drivers don't cooperate with each other. There is always a lot of tension. Still, so many beautiful trails ^_^

[@theloniousm4337]

Haha. I just stumbled on this channel and when Cruise said he was in Nagoya I wondered if he knew Tomoko, Kibi, and Victor. And then I realized that thinking two sets of random people in a city of 2.3 million might know each other was insane.

[@farikkun1841]

japan : bike bell is illegal, too dangerous other country : installing train horn on the bike, cuz biking without one is too dangerous

[@khazza930]

worth mentioning that you can't be cool without a train horn on your bike

[@GiZMOSOLiD]

Train horn on recumbent 👍

[@queertales]

Here in Norway, bike horns are apparently illegal, though I often miss having one to get the attention of drivers who are not looking where they're going. A bell I can do without, as in any situation I would use it, an "excuse me" would work just as well, plus bells make people panic a bit, so they jump out of the way in a random direction, which might mean jumping straight in front of you. :)

[@julz19]

Police bike uses bell, irc

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

@@julz19 Yep!!! ..and in Japan,..THEY ring the 💩out of ‘em‼️🧐🙄

[@AlohaBiatch]

I live in Japan .All these laws (except for riding while drunk) seem like they have harsh fines but if you are sttopped your details are written down and you are just warned. Never have I heard of anyone actually getting fined for riding with no light or with headphones etc... They write down your details and if you get stopped more than 3 times within the span of 2 years, then you either pay a fine, or you have to go attend a re-education class for a few hours to repent (if you attend the class you don't have to pay the fine) So it's actually pretty lax , for better or worse.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Not gonna lie, riding a bicycle drunk is one of life's simple pleasures, and it stops people from driving drunk.

[@storyandsoundscape8859]

A lot of the Japanese riders in my area have “bear bells” . The bells jingle non-stop while riding. Most of the riders here, stick to the river trails and the mountains (Tochigi/Gunma area). I have a regular bell that I only use when I’m a 25-50 meters away from the people on the trails. It’s not as startling at that distance. A problem I have is that many people walking or running on the trails have earbuds in their ears and don’t hear my bell or my “sumimasen”.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I heard about this solution, but it would drive me crazy to constantly ride with that. Some people on mtb rides use them..

[@japanryder699]

that and spatial awareness in japan seems to be worse than average

[@michaelmccarthy3704]

@@TwoWheelCruise Because in some places you literally need to alert and scare the bears away!

[@richardharker2775]

I believe many Japanese laws are based around respect for other people and those with lesser abilities are given greater courtesy. Occasionally I break some rules whilst riding but its more to do with "taking the safe option". Then there is the front/rear brake levers? A lot of traditional cycling countries in Europe are right hand rear braking and I've never found a reason why that makes sense, but all motorcycles world wide have right hand front braking. From a motorcycling background this makes sense to have the same for bicycles. Appreciation to Tomoko for helping today. Very energetic.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Agreed. I wish there were one break standard, would make things a lot simpler :/

[@christill]

Nice to see Tomoko back on the channel. I wouldn’t have known about this channel without watching her and Victor first. The headphone thing I’ve had multiple arguments with people over. I do sometimes listen to podcasts when I ride and never have an issue. When I’m cycling without headphones, I’ve had times where I looked over my shoulder and am surprised by a car being right there. And it was a petrol car, not an EV. I think for me cycling is 99% visual. Sound doesn’t make much of a difference. But with the headphones I use, I can still hear enough if another cyclist is wanting to pass me and uses their bell. But I often have to not use them because the wind noise is so much that I can’t hear what I’m listening to and it gets really unpleasant.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

For me sound is really important while riding. I think the law is necessary, but I'd personally like it to be allowed for one earpiece 😅

[@christill]

Two Wheel Cruise I guess it depends on what each individual feels is safe for them (as long as laws allow in the country). And maybe Japan will do the same for drivers. Force them to drive with the windows open and no radio or media playing. Because arguably sound is even more important in a car. Since your vision is much more restricted than it is on a bike.

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Gonna listen to my Jams (got a playlist ESPECIALLY for Cycling ‼️🤨) ..in my ride & on my Commuter Hybrid!!🚴🏾✨💨 Will be trying out those “Bone Transmitted” type tho’!!..and average ones as well ‘cause I’ve WAY MORE confidence using ‘em than not!! They AREN’T that loud that they block you out of danger,..YOU STILL CAN HEAR THE WIND & TRAFFIC + Emergency Vehicles!!🚒🚑🚔 You best just work on your RIDING SKILLS than sweat that crap!! DANGER IS ALWAYS NEARBY SO,..just be Preventive ⚠️& PREPARED‼️🙄Geez!

[@declanfaughey8471]

The cycling laws in Ireland 1) bicycles are considered a road user with the same rights as cars and must follow the rules of the road. 2) cycling on the footpath is illegal 3) you must have one red reflector on the rear of your bicycle and one white one the front of your bicycle at all times. 4) you must have lights on your bicycle during hours of darkness a red one on the rear, white on the front. 5) you can be fined if you don't keep your bicycle in a road worthy condition ie both brakes in working order and nothing loose which could fell onto the road. 6)bicycles sold in Ireland the right hand brake lever must operate the front brake, as in Ireland we drive on the left hand side of the road. This is so we can use hand signals.

[@yttsutsui7388]

Good work, mate. Many of the formalised legal restrictions are pretty new (umbrella, number of child seats on a bike, etc), while many practices are coming from the consideration of bikes as potential noise and issues rather than one of primary means of transportation. Things will change, though, naturally. Talking to elder member of community (i.e. my ageing parents), they feel it is important cyclists rang the bell when they pass pedestrians from behind. Sudden soundless overtaking bike often shock them that they feel they would have a heart attack. Something else interesting - electric power-assisted bikes have legal limitation of power assist to cut off at 24km/h (according to the sales assistant at the bike brand shop I spoke to). Power assist at higher speed makes it a motorcycle which requires that the rider be qualified and licensed. Each power assisted bike model has to receive government compliance certificate, and as such, it is difficult to roll out new variants for bikes for brand, and there is limitation on the extent of modification owners would be allowed after purchase (or violate compliance).

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks for the input! I was planning to make a separate video about ebike rules. I work for a bike distributor in Japan and the hurdles for bringing ebikes into Japan are extremely high.. The bell thing is very annoying since people complain that a bell is startling, and they also complain that passing without a bell is startling... 🙄

[@kisin]

A little late to this video, but bicycle laws have changed so much since I first went to Japan almost 2 decades ago. At that time we could still carry an umbrella while cycling, and I think that was the time when pillion riding was getting quite a lot of attention. Not sure if it was illegal yet, but our school definitely did not allow it (and school laws extend beyond the school walls!). Later on I was surprised when I lived in Japan again a few years ago - our company had a briefing about cycling etiquette and that was when I realised that ringing the bell has essentially become an unofficial rule. Then it hit me that I never heard anyone ring their bells, though about 10 years ago it was still very common to get people to move. Japan has a lot of unofficial rules which I believe they enforce through schools and especially large companies. It's really quite amazing how effective these sorts of campaigns are!

[@craigmaddison8254]

Interesting video, I've ridden a lot in Japan and being from the U.K its very similar but have to admit I wasn't aware of most of these laws, it's the same in the U.K, I think most people aren't aware of the cycling laws but the laws in Japan seem a bit more strict but it is changing in the U.K.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! I'm sure most Japanese people aren't aware of most of these laws either lol

[@davidjohnston1374]

Hi Cruise and Tomoko....I live in Sydney Australia and being a Country that drives on the left side like Japan, our bicycles are set up similar when it comes to brake sides. Right for front and left for rear. Our rules are pretty strict also, it's Mandatory to wear helmets, $320 fine, no lights or bell over $200 and the Police set up patrols often to check. We don't have to register bikes here but theft for high end bikes fairly high...nobody touches crap bikes lol. As our weather is quite stable, similar to Southern California, we ride all year round, in Sydney it rarely gets lower than 5C but usually around 8C in the mornings in winter and 17C through the day. It's illegal for adults to ride on the sidewalk (footpath we call them) except if your riding with a child who is also riding his own bike or if you are a child up to 16. If it's too dangerous to ride on the roadway, Police usually ignore path riders unless they are riding in a manner or speed dangerous to pedestrians. Like America though....in Australia car is King and bicycles are seen as a nuisance even though we can legally ride on the road like any other vehicle. From what I've seen, Melbourne has the best cycling infrastructure of any City in the Country but the weather can be tricky...you can get 4 seasons in one day lol. I want to bring my Touring bike to Japan to do some cycle touring over there, my wife is Japanese so living there isn't a problem...just need some time. Thankyou for your video.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Sounds like a good place minus the car is king mentality. My winter morning commute is usually -1 C at the start, so a bit chilly

[@tomokotomoko]

David Johnston Great plan! 👍

[@BastiToshy]

In Germany we have a sign quite simillar to the blue one you showed in the video. There is one detail we have in addition which makes the sign differ: it comes in two version. On the sign bike and pedestrian are either divided vertically (seperate lanes for each of them) or horizontally (shared lane for both) by a white line. We are required by law to ride on the sidewalk if we are up to 8 years old. We are allowed to ride on the sidewalk up to an age of 10 years and we are also allowed to ride on the sidewall if we are older than 10 but in a group with children younger than 10 :) Not long ago, parents had to use the road even if they were accompanying children which had to use the sidewalk. That was bull***t. In Germany you have to have two independent brakes. A fixed gear is no suitable brake substitution here. Alcohol is not recommented while riding a bike. However, you will only lose your drivers licence if you top a blood-alcohol content of 1.6 per mille. Recent law changes allow to ride without lights if you dont ride in darkness. Flashing lights are illegal. Going by train is possible but usually requires an extra ticket. Any you are forbidden to hold a mobile phone while riding. Earphones are not illegal, but you have to prevent yourself from being distracted. In Germany you are allowed to ride side by side if you dont block traffic. As you have to keep a minimum distance while overtaking a bike, cyclists are not blocking anyone on a two lane road if they ride side by side using one lane. Drivers wouldnt be allowed to overtake anyways if the second lane wasnt free. About the umbrella: Our company in Japan told us we are not allowed to go to work by bike while having an umbrella. So this rule became a corporate directive as well :)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

the family would have to separate between road and sidewalk? that's crazy!

[@HuSanNiang]

Additional Information with neighboring Austria - On every bicycle you must have 2 breaks, 2 lights, 1 bell , reflector front, back, on pedals and on the wheels On the wheels you can have also the reflecting line.. All children must wear a helmet also if they ride in a cargo bike or in a hanger Usage of a bell is allowed. Ride side by side is only allowed if you are on a Roadbike and you are in training not more than one child seat on a bike There are several types of cycling paths - so the part of the road with only a line dividing them from the car, cycling lanes with a build border to the cars and shared lanes with the pedestrian. There are cycling path with a compulsory usage and a non compulsory (round or rectangular sign). If you use a roadbike you can use the street even there are bike lanes. Lights in the front must have a steady beam, in the back it can be a flashy one. I use the Lezyne Micro Drive 500XL on all my 3 bikes. Roadbikes are excepted during training during daylight. There are some extra laws for ebikes. If it is below 25km/h then it is considered a bike, if it goes faster it is considered a motor bike and you would need a number plate and insurance. E-scooters have the same rules as ebikes . They are only allowed to be used on the same ways as bikes and not faster than 25km/h

[@zbillster]

I rode around Tokyo on my Bike Friday (which had my name inscribed, so no problem proving ownership to the police if stopped). I had a bell but can't remember if I ever used it. Didn't know about the liability. In the USA, I leave my squeaky disc brakes on my 29er as is, because the sound scares away any stray dog that tries to chase me.

[@ficskull1816]

In Sweden and Estonia it's legal to ride on the sidewalk and road. Really interesting video, despite its weird topic.

[@greghall4836]

In Sweden it's legal to ride on the sidewalk if your under 9 years old and there is no bicycle path...

[@alexenriquez5815]

Very helpful video. I’m hoping to go biking in Kyoto and Osaka in November. Thanks for this.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Enjoy the trip!

[@Naptime875]

Riding on the sidewalk in the US depends on the city

[@TwoWheelCruise]

True, shouldn't of generalized :/

[@MaximRecoil]

In my neck of the woods (small town in central Maine), I've never heard of a bicycle law being enforced. When I was a kid in the '80s, there was a rumor that riding a bike on a sidewalk was illegal, but we all did it all the time without giving it a second thought (even downtown past the police station), and no one ever said anything to us. One time when I was about 13 or 14, I was on my bike at night with some friends (they were on foot) who were talking to a pair of cops parked down by the post office, and one of them said to me that I had to have a headlight on my bike to ride at night. I laughed because I thought he was joking. He said he wasn't joking, but he still didn't enforce it, neither did I stop riding my bike at night without any lights. In the mid/late 1990s I lived in a different town about 30 minutes' away and from what I heard, the cops there actually enforced the sidewalk thing (which applied to bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates), but I rode my bike on the sidewalk right in the downtown area all the time and they never said anything to me about it.

[@briantruck2284]

I guess drive slow on the sidewalk 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@SIG442]

TOMOKO!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks for all of the feedback! There was a small export error for that part of the video :/

[@SIG442]

@@TwoWheelCruise haha, noticed. It seems to be happening with more video's on YT lately. I seen a video Victor uploaded not too long ago with a similar problem.

[@richncolita6782]

Very informative. The no bell use is the strangest to me, most of the laws where we live in Nevada are similar to Japan's laws, including keeping both hands on the handlebars.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It's a really weird rule 🤔

[@MV-bj1yk]

What's the fine for driving cars on sidewalks?

[@fabixigg3954]

there is only one way to find out :D

[@hyperfox805]

Canada its pretty similar. We ride on the same side as the US, and our brakes are the same.. Left front, right rear. As for lights, at the moment the front must be on 1/2 hour before dusk and 1/2 hour after dark and must be on all the time. However for the rear light we are now allowed to have a flashing rear light. Same hours apply.

[@ZZealot]

Very informative indeed, great to see Tomoko on this one :)

[@tomokotomoko]

Arigato! ^^

[@buckroger6456]

This was a pretty cool episode on cycling rules in Japan. I don't even own a bell let alone for me bike I just pass people an other cyclist at mach speeds with no warning. I'm sure there's plenty of laws here in the states but I pay them no mind.

[@boblim1549]

Very useful to know these laws as I will be riding the LOJ next year. No two abreast will be tricky as it’s sort of second nature to do it.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It should be fine if you're in the countryside with no cars

[@johnnydwicked]

Good to know about the rules. The fines are pretty expensive. Shows that Japan isn't messing around. =P

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Most of them are pretty pricey, eh

[@ds_Toyonaka]

The only one of these laws that would be enforced, routinely, is the bikes on trains

[@hegeds]

Instead of regular headphones you could use a bone conducting one. I use one sometimes and it's really making a long ride more fun. Sometimes if the traffic is too loud you can't hear the music but thats why it's safe.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I'm not sure, but would assume this is still banned

[@elinavance3476]

there are some neck and sunglasses speaker from bose, maybe they would be allowed. (they are very quiet to bystanders.)

[@vircervoteksisto5038]

I feel you on the riding-on-left thing and the no-bikes-on-sidewalk thing. I got yelled at by a cop in Bermuda for riding on a sidewalk which apparently is a big no-no there. One strange law in Washington state is that all bicycle trails such as the Burke-Gilman or the Centennial trail have a speed limit of 15mph but I've never seen that law enforced and I'm not even sure how to comply with it because my bike didn't come equipped with a speedometer.

[@daffygrey]

I've been a club cyclist in the UK since the early 1980s and I've come to despise the growing ignorance and arrogance of those new to the sport who don't follow the rules. We are allowed to ride two-abreast, but when the road narrows we are meant to single out. I've been on club runs where they've kept a line of cars trailing behind for a good kilometre, despite there being safe and convenient places to pull over. When I'm at the back, I don't want frustrated motorist behind me.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It's pretty interesting riding with people who are so mindful about this. All of the group rides I do here are extremely conscious about this, but can't say the same for group rides in the US.. But I do miss being able to do large 50 rider group rides...

[@Korschtal]

That was interesting: most rules are similar to Germany, although they seem patchy in their application in Japan. I've never seen a car give way to pedestrians anywhere in Japan. It's the biggest difference with Germany where zebra crossings are considered very important. After a couple of near misses I decided they were just for decoration and crossed where I wanted. The right/left rule doesn't seem to be an issue where I rode, which is a good thing because once when riding I turned a corner to find a car coming the other way and instinctively went to the right, realised my mistake and was astonished to see the driver just drift around me with a friendly wave. A German would have made sure their displeasure was clear. Over all it seems that if I go on my German street legal tourer I should be fine...

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Ironically the zebra sections are supposed to be sacred in Japan.. When I was taking my driving test here, they were extremely strict about that.. Maybe the next generation of drivers will be a bit better..

[@danniechung8108]

I play music with speaker hung on the handle bar not only for entertaining but also for safety as walkers back to me in front know something is coming up!

[@dominopicamation5836]

In some states in Australia you can ride a bike on the sidewalk.

[@bingzaniGercel]

Thats true. Here same in adelaide. We have also regulations about safety. Even adult cyclist or in line skater must have helmet on and in correct position. Otherwise the police will fine you heavily and demerit points if you drunk. Safety first.

[@daffygrey]

In the UK the offence of speeding is written to only apply to motor vehicles. The law that applies to bicycles is "furious pedalling". One assumes that they can't touch you if you freewheel down a long steep hill.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No furious pedaling if you're coasting I guess 😂

[@iamapigtoo]

In Taipei, the ring is mandatory. But the government also promotes "communicating" instead of ringing. Moving to Nagoya this year! Yeah~

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Welcome to Nagoya!

[@Kosmonooit]

some rear hubs (like Hope) make a decent noise to alert others you are there / coming. Agree about the headhones!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yep, gonna make sure my bikes have this from now on

[@RossTheNinja]

In Britain you can ride on paths, but not pavements. The key difference being that a pavement is a path that runs along side the road. There are some exceptions, with similar signs to what is shown in the video. You have to have a means of alerting people to your presence, so if you can shout, you don't need a bell.

[@富久山雅春-p9l]

Very educational footage! You have deep knowledge about traffic rules of Japan. I was impressive that you are beyond to native Japanese people. Let’s enjoy cycling safety.

[@ltrtg13]

In the UK their is a limit for drinking alcohol. How ever in Scotland it is lower than England and Wales. You would only be done for been drunk in charge of a bicycle. There is also no speed limit for a bicycle. You could get prosecuted under one of two laws dating back to the dawn of cycling when the main transport was horses. Bells are a legal requirement the comply the the British Standard. Reflectors are also required under the same rules. How ever, if the bike is sold without pedals this does not apply as it is not a complete bike. Our brakes are the front brake is the right lever and the back brake is the left lever. This is also to comply with the British Standard. After you have bought the bike you can remove the bell and reflectors as there is no law to say your must keep them on your bike. They can be sold the the brakes the other way round for competition. Fixed wheel bikes only need one brake. Usually the front. Some fixed wheel rides prefer to use 2 brakes.Or have 2 brakes in case one brake stops working. It is illegal to cycle on the footpath/sidewalk unless the person is under the age of criminal responsibility. Which in the UK is 10 years of age. Some footpaths have a cycle way on them. They can be either shared or segregated with a white solid line. In the UK we can have flashing light on our bikes. The law was change several years ago. Prior to this is was illegal to have flashing lights. I do remember riding past 2 police offices with flashing lights on my bike when is was illegal. the police didn't say anything. Off road in England and Wales we can cycle on BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic). Sometimes called a green lane. We can also use a bridleway and a restricted byway. In Scotland they have "right to roam". We can cycle on footpaths if the if is a "permissive right of way". This is done by the land owner and can be removed by the land owner as well. We can ride side by side.

[@kevinjfeeney77]

For sidewalks....some cities in CA...like Santa Monica, don't allow cycling on the sidewalk. But from what I gather, the rest of the Greater L.A. area it's ok. And for helmets, they're required for minors, under 18. But most group rides and organized functions require helmets no matter what age the rider may be.

[@ecm86]

Some very strange laws and hefty fines but most seem to make sense. I live in Taiwan and some of what you describe in Japan translates to here a bit with people riding carrying umbrellas or against traffic. We don't have the same rule or culture around bells and their use but flashing lights are ok here, too. A good tip and is something I find works is to use the flashing front mounted flashlight at dusk and night--higher powered the better..Just be sure to angle it down a bit to not blind on comers. This causes people I am coming up behind to generally get out of my way without the use of my bell. When I use my light in static mode, people just don't respond the same--flashing mode is the best for sending the "please move" message. Riding side by side is completely ok here and is something I see people doing on cycling paths a lot so that light tactic has made it easier to navigate in heavier bike-way traffic.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

agreed, I prefer using the flashing lights

[@stasacab]

Finland: Children are allowed to cycle on any sidewalk. Helmets are kind of required, but not enforced. Finland is pretty strict about lights on a bike. Flashing lights are OK, but you do not get friends with flashing lights. Taking bike on a train is OK in most trains, but you usually have to reserve it some time beforehand. I started my 'career' with bicycles riding on the back of dad's bicycle. Finns are kind of bell-shy, also, and cars do not use horn very much, but they say that Finns and Japanese are alike. When I had a bell, I used it when I entered a tunnel to warn people that might be in there, but could not see me entering. I think the weirdest is that you are required to follow the speed limit, yet you are not required to have a speedometer, but many cyclists have tried to get a speeding ticket without success. There are those zebra crossings and if you ride them, you are a vehicle, but if you jump off the bike and walk it, you are a pedestrian and cars have to give you way. Oh, if there is a bike trail, you are required to use it.

[@jecka_]

In New York City (USA) you can not ride a bike on the sidewalk unless you are under 13. But I think that only applies to the city, not the state as a whole 🤔

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Makes sense

[@rafaelmorales4534]

here in Colombia is illegal to ride on the sidewalks. greetings from Colombia

[@JaysMackie]

I have often used a stereo to mono earbud worn in my curbside ear, that way my traffic side ear is still open road noise

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Definitely a good idea to only go with one ear if you're gonna use them

[@kevinjfeeney77]

Me too! I've just been using a normal pair of earbuds with the phone set to mono....and have one bud dangling. I need to replace my stereo-to-mono earbud.

[@TheQuazar1961]

In Belgium only young kids can ride the sidewalk . No drinking rules make sence. No registration for bikes , only for the fatest electric bikes. Most of bikers in Belgium listen to their i-pod. I do too.Tomoko looks like fun -:)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Wish I could listen to some music on my ride :/

[@saltygrasshopper]

23:00 sweet Jesus. When I lived in Japan I refused to drive because of the legal liability. If I go back I may not ride bikes either.

[@jempanuncialman9361]

In Philippines we use a bell to greet other cyclist .

[@gwynnjason]

that "Hime hime" i lol'd. Onoda Sakamichi when is your next season!!!

[@TheRamblingShepherd]

Thanks a ton for posting this. My fiancée moved to Japan before the pandemic. Finally, at the end of July, we're getting married and (hopefully) I can move there to join her. Knowing the bike rules will be very helpful.

[@Luminaring]

What is the maximum width for bicycle handlebars?

[@christlerriola12998]

If the country's vehicles steering wheel are in right you must go to left lane and if left you must go to right lane. In Philippines were in right lane.

[@dan_lazaro]

Apparently if you live where you ride in the left your rear brake should be on the left. And vice versa. But my rear brake is on my left hand and I'm from the Philippines. I guess I'm one of the only Filipinos who don't try hard to be American lol.

[@frazergiles9081]

The UK and Australia has the brakes on the same side as Japan. I remember my friend bought a jump bike from another friend and the brakes were on the opposite sides. It was quite a sight to see my friend fly 10ft over the handle bars. He returned the bike and I don't think he has ridden a bike ever since. I guess my friend who sold it him thought it was cool to have them switched.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It can be really dangerous if you're used to a different setup and you accidentally use the wrong brake too much. :/

[@bikersquest]

In the UK front brake is on the right like Japan, I always found it really weird having the rear on the right in the US I always assumed this was to prevent noobies from locking the front wheel and potentially flipping over the bike. Motorcycles all have the front brake on the right lever.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Agreed, it would be nice to have one standard.. But I really like left front for cyclocross

[@TheRetroPitstop]

I so heard people ringing bells in Tokyo when I was going to university there. I'm sure its YMMV. But, yeah awesome video very informative!

[@ROFLMAOLOLUGOTOWNED]

Sorry, this might be a stupid question, but what about headphones that have ambient sound? Like the Sony X1000M3 ones, you can listen to music and still hear a needle dropping to the pavement 5 meters away. Would they still not be allowed while cycling? I find they enhance my awareness if anything, not decrease it. Often when I'm cycling I will not hear cars turning up on the road far behind me until I can hear them closely, or see the lights, but with the ambient sound mode I can hear them driving up on the road 100 meters behind me.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

As long as it doesn't enter or cover your ears, you should be ok (from my understanding of the law anyway.

[@CyclingNeko]

In my country, it is legal by law to cycling on the sidewalk, IF there is no bicycle lane available around that area. Currently, our Commuter Train transportation only allow folding bike.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

what country?

[@CyclingNeko]

@@TwoWheelCruise Indonesia

[@blindfoldblaster]

Here in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; riding your bicycle even for the shortest commute makes it a “inochigake” task. So I always wear a good helmet, use bike lights and reflective garments so I can increase my chances of surviving in this Asphalt Jungle. Regards

[@flpirate45]

Tomko is very Beautiful. She seems to have a great sense of humor and very smart. Love the explaining of the Bicycle laws in Japan,very strick. Thanks for the video.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! She's great

[@BooLee01]

14:44 Riding side by side. "There's actually a ¥20,000 fee" I like that you called it a fee and not a penalty or a fine. It's like, if you pay, you can have the privilege of riding side by said, but you can't do it for free.

[@victorherrera1015]

yes, very strange to call it a fee...

[@1-less-car]

Re. Bike bells..I don't know how it is in the US.. In Europe we have the classic 'ring-ring' bell, but also a single 'ting' bell. This is more popular now and lets people know without being too loud/intrusive. Personally, also I only ting +5m away. If I am closer - for etiquette (I think) - I wait until they notice me.

[@kevinjfeeney77]

The both hands on bars reminds me of your keirin racer training....even if they fall, both hands on the bars.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

😬

[@rubaiyatu]

Waiting for you to mention the Japanese right-turn-across-traffic (at a 4-way intersection). THAT took some thinking-through before I got used to it.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I leaned about that later 😅

[@ron_nor_]

In Germany it's basically the same when it comes to riding a bicycle on sidewalks. Even the street signs look rather similar. Kids up to 8 years must, kids up to 10 years can ride their bikes on the sidewalk and can be accompanied by one person over the age of 16 years on a bike at walking speed. I personally use my noisy free hub instead of a bell. Works great. No one gets angry.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

lol, that works too. I'll sometimes do a couple gear changes to signal I'm there

[@dusanmal]

In all USA States driving a bicycle on a sidewalk is against the law. Same as in Japan bicycles in USA are defined as vehicles and as such no sidewalk driving is allowed. Just, it is mostly not enforced. When enforced as in recent years in NY, it triggered actual major News stories... Fines were in 100$ range.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Oh wow, didn't know that. Everyone in my hometown always rides on the sidewalks (which are abundant), so I assumed it was normal

[@MrHockaluger]

My local Uniqlo stores finally have cycling shirts like yours available. Bought a few BMCs and a Colnago one. Their shirt sizing is weird though. I usually wear a medium but with Uniqlo t shirts I wear a small. No Yowamushi Pedal shirts though. 😥

[@TwoWheelCruise]

If they had Yowamushi pedal shirts, I'd buy them all! haha

[@huehue5286]

At least here in Brazil, we have free style riding, there's no rules for bicycles (or no one to enforce them) and you can do pretty much anything.

[@japanryder699]

13:48 Ive been stopped afew times over the years, last time was when I was still drinking, and I was extremely drunk, on a Scott bicycle that was given to me a friend who left the country who got it from another friend......... so I was desperately pretending to be be sober while going through the list of people.... all this about 200m away from my building .... luckily as I was polite and not abrasive, I got through.

[@inazumaelevennederlands1266]

The no headphone law is really weird to me, because here in the Netherlands nearly everyone cycles with headphones on. Also the law about two people on one bike is in my opinion the strangest law. In the Netherlands you see it everywhere.

[@michaelmccarthy3704]

Bone conduction head phones OK - Ear phones are not.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

@@michaelmccarthy3704 What about boner conduction?

[@Heiserton]

This is my third time in japan in the last 3 years, and the first time riding here. Riding off base made me feel like I was a bicycle currier, riding in traffic was wild and wayyyyyyy unnerving at first. But I was surprised how cars still gave you room (for the most part). It's a rush for sure.

[@binaryglitch64]

In Oregon, USA we have the stop-as-yield law where cyclist may treat a yield sign as a yield sign, and a stop sign as a yield sign and a red traffic light as a stop sign, all paying extra special attention to the fact that when yielding you may only proceed when it's clear, stop-as-yield does not give you a license to blow through intersections. Also this law is commonly referred to as 'the Idaho stop law' and there are a few other places besides Oregon and Idaho that use it, but it's rare in the U.S. and so one must be aware of the fact that most drivers visiting from other states will think that it's illegal and react accordingly (honking, screaming "that's illegal you fu*king idot", calling the police on you, and even wielding their car against you as a scaring tool because of their inability to handle their emotional reaction... unless you ask them in which case 'it's to teach you a lesson' because they cannot face the fact that they didn't know how to handle their emotions and reacted poorly. This unfortunately is a more common road-rage type reaction than you probably think. So if you come ride in OR you can get places faster than cars on a leisurely pedal but if you yield through a light in front of an outta stater, just be prepared to stay safe and defensive but stand your ground, inform and educate. I ride with at least 3 hardcopies of that law to hand out to *ignorant drivers. *ignorance just means not knowing, it's curable, the cure is called finding out, hence why I inform them.

[@Its-Kat_]

I used to use a waterproof mini speakers with Bluetooth that is loud enough for you to hear music and keeping them in the front basket of my mamachari. Speakers are allowed, headphones no. That's my suggestion.

[@chriswinston1223]

I had no idea you couldn't listen to your iPod on the rodes here. I've been listening to music for years and haven't been stopped.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

better stop while you're ahead ;) But there is also a very low level of police present everywhere, which helps..

[@chriswinston1223]

@@TwoWheelCruise I had to stop. The summer deluge up here in Hokkaido destroyed my iPod Touch on a 150 km ride to Honbetsu. I think, if I ever move back to Japan for good, I will at least use a wireless bud in my left ear so I can listen to podcasts because, like you said, the commutes would just be too tiresome otherwise. Hopefully they wouldn't notice it on that side and maybe I could just point at it at say the word for "hearing aid" in Japanese. It's a pity though...listening to music while you ride is the best.

[@RaymarkCacho]

what happens when your bike falls because the wind is strong and then it hits the bike next to it and gets scratched. thanks for the answer

[@willcamick]

I did't learn any Japanese words but I did learn all the sounds lol.

[@tesaivanako8849]

How many warning before you get fined?

[@jessicasalvador382]

Hi! Thanks for a very informative video. We will be in Japan this Friday as tourist and we will be bringing our brompton bikes. Do we have to have it registered and can we take them to the train, it is a folding bike :) thanks in advance!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No, I never had my bike registration checked. But you should keep proof of ownership (like old photos) on your phone just in case it happens

[@doncastillo2818]

Thanks Man I leaned alot

[@japanryder699]

21:29 - on my long distance rides i have a bose speaker in my bag to help me along the way. Easy to turn down from my phone/gps when approaching traffic lights.

[@nedjavier8536]

In the Philippines Japanese bikes are becoming common here, and folding bikes too. They are featured in youtube also. Old Mamacharis are shipped here and are used again. I love those Japanese bikes! They're so functional.

[@CraigCruden]

get helmets with built in communication so you can talk and listen to co-rider.

[@TheRamblingShepherd]

No headphones allowed, though--they've got you coming and going!

[@hirotohasegawa8948]

Parallel running by bicycles is also illegal in Japan. No fine on it though.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

what's the punishment then?

[@hirotohasegawa8948]

@@TwoWheelCruise Also no punishment. But if you cause a traffic accident running parallel by bicycles, you will bring disadvantages for that.

[@sejembalm]

8:00 DUI on a bike is no joke in Japan with up to 5 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. Back in 1985 in Santa Rosa, California, I was returning home from a party at 3 o'clock in the morning, drunk out of my mind and just barely keeping upright on my old 1969 Schwinn bicycle, and I got pulled over by a police car. The cops asked if I had been drinking. "Yes, sir." How much? "To excess. And please don't waste everyone's time with field sobriety tests, because I'll fail them magnificently" was my reply. The cops asked for my driver's license and although I was ridiculously drunk I knew that providing ID would not benefit me, so I said I had none as I did not need one to ride a bicycle. The cops then said they could arrest me for drunk driving. I was sincerely amazed by this! That's why I went to drinking parties on my bike! I told the police that I couldn't take out a bus-load of nuns with my Schwinn, but they insisted that DUI on a bike was a crime, but they instead told me to walk my bike home as I was only a few blocks away. It turns out they were not kidding! The part of the California Vehicle Code, which classifies riding a bicycle under the influence as a crime was actually added in 1985. DUI on a bicycle: Under California Vehicle Code, while bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles, the bicycle by itself does not fall within the definition of a vehicle. Therefore, it is not subject to DUI laws. The law takes into account that you cannot cause as much injury or harm to another while riding a bicycle under the influence as you would driving a vehicle while under the influence. California Vehicle Code Section 21200.5 makes it illegal for any individual to operate a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. www.duiease.com/biking-under-influence/

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yes, it can be very serious, but they rarely enforce it unless there is a serious accident I think.

[@ElegyForTheMasses]

I’ve lived in Japan for years. We’re legally required to have a bell or horn installed on our bikes. Why would they require us to have them if they are illegal to use?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Japanese logic.

[@virgilcheng2335]

In Hong Kong bicycle bell is mandated by law. I often use it when I am around blind corners to warn people there is someone coming. I prefer not to use in other circumstances for same reason as in Japan, people might over-react. Its good practice allowing bicycles on sidewalk.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

good call.. I always take blind corners extra safe because there's often people riding on the opposite side of the street who fly through them :/

[@DirtyTesla]

I play Pokemon on my bike when we bike together :-)

[@TwoWheelCruise]

shhhhhh ;)

[@itsdave92]

Nice try, FBI (I also maybe dooo.....)

[@scocassovegetus]

When I first went to Japan, I was so used to looking over my left shoulder, it felt weird turning my head to the other side in Japan. And, for awhile, at every intersection I would have to say verbally what I wanted to do, for example, "Turn left. Stay to the left. Look for traffic coming from the right," and things like that. A group of my Japanese friend were coming home from drinking, but missed the last train, so they all grabbed some derelict bicycles from the station and cycled home, but in Japan, although they might be derelict, dusty, flat tires, spider webs, and been there for years, it is still theft -- the police stopped them and took them to the police station and gave them a lecture. I took my bicycle on the train in Japan, on JR. I needed a bicycle ticket (was like $2.50), and they were ok with me taking the front wheel off, tying it to my frame, then putting some cardboard or other padding taped around it, just to make it look like you at least attempted to cover it -- they want to protect the passengers from scratching or poking themselves on the bike or grease from the chain etc. The police did stop me and check my bicycle registration, but only because I'm foreign... my (foreigner) friend was so sick and tired of being stopped by the police on his motor-scooter every day on the way home from work, that he painted it black, and when he would see the police, he'd hide in the dark, turn it off, till they went by.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

There are tons of abandoned bikes all over the place. Ironic that it's still considered bike theft, even though you're only taking leftover "garbage". Fortunately I haven't been stopped once yet while cycling.

[@AhidoMikaro]

Considering you drive expensive bicycles, I would prefer if the police would stop you more often than never. It is the ones that would be the worst if they get stolen.

[@marioong5214]

I just found ur channel. What an interesting topic. Just wonder if I`m bringing my bike from my home country to Japan for strolling around, do I need to any license to cycle there? How to apply for it? Thank you.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

You only need a license for non-assist ebikes. If you bring a bike over, just make sure you have proof of purchase in case you need it.

[@Joe-yr9oy]

It seems bicycle laws around the world are always put together so haphazardly. When i planned my first tour of Japan by bike I looked up a lot of those laws. The tandem law is just a unfortunate result of the 2 adults on one bike law. I find it ironic that 2 people on a bike designed to ride with 2 people is illegal however 2 or sometimes even 3 children can be passengers on a mama-chari which is far less stable. I also laughed when I read you can ride while holding an umbrella this is actually stated in the laws and I thought, who in the world would do this. But as you know everybody carries umbrellas so it’s really common in Japan. Where I’m from in Queensland, Australia if it’s raining it’s windy and if it’s windy and you open an umbrella why riding a bike your going to get ‘Mary Poppins’-ed off into the sky. Also the other reason for the registration is due to legal footpath parking of bikes. In the large cities people often leave their bicycle chained against a post or if it breaks don’t bother picking it up. (Of course mostly the cheaper steel commuter bikes). Often the fine is more then the price of a new bike so they need to register the bikes to catch up with this problem. Yeah bicycle laws are weird. We are required to stay below the speed limit in Queensland but are not require to have any form of speed measurement. Also over here we are required to have a rear reflector but not a front. Even if you have bright rear light you still need a reflector.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Many of the laws don't seem very well thought out.. Agreed that the children seats on bikes are way more dangerous than a tandem.. Also, good point about the registration system, I forgot to mention that..

[@ADAP7IVE]

I have seen some crazy stuff every day. Like a mom with two children in the baskets, an umbrella in one hand, and cell phone between her ear and shoulder. Or the ladies with three babies--two in baskets and a third strapped to their chest. Or the men smoking and trailing a plume of pollution to be breathed in by anyone they pass. Or the people riding with earphones and umbrellas or phones in-hand...riding against traffic.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Every day... 🙄

[@geraldshields9035]

@Two Wheel Cruise I’m sorry to comment on this after this video has been posted for so long, but lately, there has been some smart helmet with Bluetooth connectivity being sold. Does the “No Music Listening” Law still apply?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

From my understanding this law only restricts putting things in your ears. So I think speaker helmets and bone speakers are OK to use legally.

[@ADAP7IVE]

Oh man, the umbrellas! I got poked in the head by a cyclist on a mamachari passing me too closely a few weeks ago. I yelled at him and he seemed surprised to be confronted about it.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I confront idiots like that occasionally... they tend to panic pretty hard

[@VeloNippon]

Tandem bicycles are perfectly legal in Chiba Prefecture as of about two years now.

[@kristoffshimada7629]

About riding in the sidewalk in kyoto, shiga and osaka I think there is no such rules about prohibiting people to use their bike on the side walk coz many foreigners and Japanese are using the side walk for their safe ride they are not allowed to use the main road specially if your not wearing helmets but for some particular places there are signage for bicycle lane but it's not common in every places like in kyoto and osaka but I've never heard such law that they will fine you for using the side walk while riding in your bicycle.

[@ducatipaso1386]

It's legal to ride against traffic on one way streets posted with bicycle exempted signs. Scary when you have pop out around parked delivery trucks in Ginza.

[@NapathomNapathom]

In THAILAND Do whatever to save yourself alive. And don't have a laws about ride bicycle on the sidewalk , they only say about motobike that can not ride on sidewalk but everybody seem to broke this laws very easy as you saw when you came in THAILAND . Anyways , the side walk in THAILAND is very narrow 'cause of people walk , motobike ride and street food shop ,then there are no space for you to clycling on .

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Way better than Vietnam from my experience. The scooters take over the sidewalks during rush hour 😭

[@numbaoneg101]

Ugh that two brakes thing is a little annoying...how much is the fine for only one brake? I was thinking about traveling there with my fixed bike but might not now.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I would assume it's the same fine. They actively check for it here

[@perryomodeizorini6952]

Thank you for sharing. Interesting video. Japan has very strict rules, but the only problem is that no one is checking and the police is not doing anything to enforce them. I ride my bike every day and keep seeing people riding using their phones and listening to music on their headphones, almost nobody wears a helmet regardless of their age, tons of people at night riding without a light and following the wrong traffic direction even through blind corners (had a few near misses already) and virtually nobody respecting stop signs or red lights. Young and old people seem to be the worst. I have seen these scenes happening many times in front of police officers who ignored them. Having strict rules is meaningless unless they are enforced.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

True, there is very little enforcement, but I prefer it that way. Better to not have police poaching cyclists.

[@theloniousm4337]

Cycling laws in Canada sound very similar to laws in Japan - you are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles (not sure about DUI? never heard of it). EXCEPT no one follows the cycling laws in Canada and police never give cyclists tickets. Cycling is the wild west and a great big "do-it-yourself kit" as far as laws are concerned and it is unfortunate because someone gets killed every now and then. The point of having laws is for traffic to be predictable and orderly. When laws aren't observed or enforced for the cyclists ultimately it is the 2 wheeler that pays with their life. The ones that bug me the most are the morning cyclist commuters that ride on the side of the road - no problem going around them when the way is clear. Except when they get to a light and they snake up beside cars to the front of the queue when the light is green. Result is you end up getting stuck behind cars that are passing the same cyclist 3 or 4 times until you finally hit a stretch of green lights. Cycling groups are also increasingly a problem. Not supposed to pack up and block traffic but you get packs of 30-40 cyclists on weekends grouped up 2 and 3 abreast for what is basically a group chat with a bit of cycling thrown into the mix. If there is no one behind you talk all you want but when there are 10-15 cars lined up behind on curvy roads - get over. There have been some road rage incidents and no one hurt yet but it is a matter of time before someone gets clipped. As usual the police don't care until after an injury then they are quick to assign blame which does little when someone is dead.

[@hunterkiller009]

I have lived in Fukuoka and Osaka and I never recall anyone get caught by the police for riding on the sidewalk.

[@FrankHuber]

flashing lights can be so annoying. Many people won't switch them off ever even while walking. If you sit in front of a café you eyes will be on the same level as the bike lights