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

Japan's National Police Agency reported a sharp [raise / rise] in the number of traffic accidents caused by cyclists [using / usage] phones. There was a 50 per cent increase in the five-year [periods / period] to 2023. The BBC reports that over 72,000 bicycle accidents were recorded in Japan [past / last] year. This [accounted / accounting] for over 20 per cent of all traffic [accidents / jams] . Most [collides / collisions] were caused by people under 20 years of age. Many of these cyclists were watching videos or playing games. One reason for the rise in cycling-related accidents is a greater [numeral / number] of people using bicycles instead of public transport because of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities say [raising / rising] public awareness of the revised traffic rules could [be / being] a challenge.