BICYCLES
Bike Parking Lot |
In Japan bicycles are a very popular means of
transportation. Bikes are used for everything from going to work to shopping,
and occasionally even for exercise. They are used by all, children, men, and
women (I think there may be a slight lead by women).
Biking is so popular there are large parking lots designated
just for them. It is not unusual to see multi-tiered bike racks, usually with
two racks high but I’ve seen them with up to three tiers.
Two tiered bike parking |
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Decked out with motor, child seat, basket, and windbreak |
To save costs, many businesses, such as Denny's or KFC, use bicycles for deliveries.
Denny's, with home delivery! |
Sidewalk bike lane marker |
It is legal to ride on the sidewalk but they are required to
give way to pedestrians; but in reality, its each for their own…PEDESTRIANS
BEWARE!
It is also illegal to ride a bicycle with headphones on.
By far, most bikers actually use the sidewalk instead of the
road (I’ve yet to see a “bike lane” on the road). Though the vast majority of bikes I’ve
seen have ringer bells, it is very rare to hear. The only bike lane I’ve seen
to date is on a sidewalk. Because of this I’ve had many instances where I was
just a step away from being slammed by an overtaking two-wheeled vehicle moving
silently past me. My money is that these encounters probably have a fair share
of actual collisions.
Between silent, sneaky bicycles coming up behind me or car drivers bent on getting pedestrian points I'm not sure where my betting money should be, but, I fear them both!
(Update posted 22 March) Since posting this item I’ve researched for actual laws. I
was unable to find an English site with the “official” laws. I did find quite a
few sites stating that they listed “actual laws”, so, taking items that are
listed on multiple sites, here is what I found (quite often very different from
the experienced reality):
- It is NOT allowed to ride bicycles on the sidewalk unless there is a sign indicating it is a shared sidewalk
- It is illegal to ride while carrying an umbrella, or talk on a telephone
- All bikes are required to have a bell and a headlamp
- Always give way to pedestrians
- All bicycles must be registered with the prefectural police
- A helmet is optional
- It is illegal to ride tandem (except in Nagano prefecture)
- Cyclist may carry one child under the age of six in a designated child seat
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