Opinions and Responses

Regarding Bicycle Violation Enforcement Starting in April

Starting in April, bicycle violation enforcement will begin, so I would like bicycle-marked stop lines to be drawn at places where bicycles, treated as light vehicles, must always stop.

Especially on Pearly Road, it is not just bicycles but also pedestrians that are in a state of lawlessness.
Especially regarding bicycles, many people do not stop at the stop line, cross the Kawasaki Highway sidewalk as if it were natural, and quickly enter the crosswalk, resulting in collisions with people running on the crosswalk. The crosswalk is for pedestrians only, and I thought bicycles should be treated the same as cars, but the correct rule is not written anywhere, so I do not know what to do. Could you please review this once with the police station?
I believe it is necessary for parents with children to teach proper rules. Thank you for your consideration.

Response

Regarding bicycles mentioned in your proposal, since they are classified as "light vehicles" under the Road Traffic Act, in principle, bicycles must be operated in accordance with traffic signals, traffic signs, stop lines, etc., just like automobiles.
Also, while bicycles are generally required to travel on the roadway, there are cases where they may use sidewalks, such as on routes marked with signs permitting bicycle sidewalk use, or when the rider is a child under 13 years old, an older adult aged 70 or above, or a person with physical disabilities.
Regarding these bicycle traffic rules, the city has been raising awareness among citizens through various methods, including announcements in the city newsletter, distribution of traffic safety flyers to all households in the city in conjunction with the National Spring Traffic Safety Campaign, the Inagi City Traffic Safety Rolling Operation, the implementation of a bicycle license test for third-grade elementary school students in the city, as well as posting explanatory videos about bicycle traffic rules on the city’s website.
Regarding bicycle users traveling on Peary Road, we have been collaborating with the Tama Central Police Station and the Tama Inagi Traffic Safety Association to carry out traffic safety activities near the Higashi-Naganuma intersection and other locations to prevent traffic accidents. We will continue these efforts going forward and will also install traffic safety awareness signboards.

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