A revision to a traffic law aimed amending the behaviour cyclists came effect in Japan on Friday. The revised Road Traffic Act makes it illegal to use mobile phones or to be the influence of alcohol while cycling. Those distracted phones could be punished with a maximum six-month prison sentence or a fine of 100,000 yen ($654). The penalties are harsher those under the influence. Intoxicated cyclists with more than 0.15 milligrams alcohol per litre of breath could get to three years in jail or be fined 500,000 yen ($3,270). Furthermore, restaurants that serve alcohol to customers the knowledge that they will ride a bicycle afterwards may also be punished.
Japan's National Police Agency reported a sharp rise the number of traffic accidents caused cyclists using phones. There was a 50 per cent increase the five-year period to 2023. The BBC reports that over 72,000 bicycle accidents were recorded Japan last year. This accounted over 20 per cent all traffic accidents. Most collisions were caused people under 20 years age. Many of these cyclists were watching videos or playing games. One reason the rise cycling-related accidents is a greater number of people using bicycles instead public transport because of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities say raising public awareness of the revised traffic rules could be a challenge.
