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A revision to a traffic law at amending the behaviour of cyclists into effect in Japan on Friday. The Road Traffic Act makes it illegal to mobile phones or to be under the influence of alcohol while cycling. Those by phones could punished with a maximum six-month prison sentence or a fine of 100,000 yen ($654). The penalties are harsher for those under the influence. Intoxicated cyclists with more than 0.15 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath could up to three years in jail or be fined 500,000 yen ($3,270). Furthermore, restaurants that alcohol to customers in the knowledge that they will a bicycle afterwards may also be .

Japan's National Police Agency a sharp rise in the number of traffic accidents by cyclists using phones. There was a 50 per cent increase in the five-year period to 2023. The BBC reports that over 72,000 bicycle accidents were in Japan last year. This for over 20 per cent of all traffic accidents. Most collisions were by people under 20 years of age. Many of these cyclists were videos or playing games. One reason for the rise in cycling-related accidents a greater number of people bicycles instead of public transport because of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities say public awareness of the revised traffic rules could a challenge.