Cycle Tourism LAKE HAMANA

Rule 01

Let's run on the left side of the roadway

In Japan, bicycles must obey the same traffic rules as automobiles.
When you use the road, travel on the left side of the road.

Rule 02

Priority for pedestrians on the sidewalk

Bicycles can travel on a pedestrian sidewalk if there is a sign indicating that regular bicycle traffic is allowed.
When you travel on the sidewalk, travel closer to the roadway (on the right side).
When you travel on the sidewalk, travel at a speed that allows you to stop at any time, and stop if you get in the way of pedestrians.

Rule 03

Let's run by bicycles in a single file

Don't ride alongside another bicycle.
If you ride alongside another bicycle and it interferes with the traffic of pedestrians on the sidewalk or of cars on the road, you will be subject to punishment.
However, in places where there is a "Riding Side-by-Side Allowed" sign, up to two bicycles can ride side-by-side.

Rule 04

How to cross at intersections with traffic lights

1. If there is a bicycle crossing
   You must cross on the bicycle crossing according to the bicycle/pedestrian traffic signal.
   
2. If there is no bicycle crossing, but there is a pedestrian crossing
   When you cross on a pedestrian crossing, you must get off the bicycle and walk it across the road, according to the pedestrian traffic signal.
   If there are no pedestrians on the crossing or there is no risk of interfering with pedestrian traffic, you can cross while riding the bicycle.
   When you cross in places other than a pedestrian crossing, cross according to the vehicle traffic signal after making a safety check to the left and right.
3. If there is no bicycle crossing and no pedestrian crossing
   Cross according to the vehicle traffic signal after making a safety check to the left and right.

Rule 05

Complete stop for safety check

In a place where there is a "Stop" sign, you should completely stop your bicycle and only continue after making a safety check to the left and right.
Proceed with caution at intersections, since pedestrians or cars may suddenly appear.

Rule 06

Prohibition of mobile phone usage while driving/riding

It is against the law to drive while holding a mobile phone in you hand or while operating its buttons.
When you want to use a mobile phone, you must be sure to stop riding or driving.

Rule 07

Prohibition of driving/riding with an umbrella

It is against the law to drive or ride while holding an umbrella.

Rule 08

Prohibition of driving/riding with headphones

It is against the law to ride a bicycle while listening to music, etc., on headphones such that you cannot hear sounds in the vicinity.

Rule 09

Prohibition of drinking and driving/riding

The same as an automobile, operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.
Be aware that operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol is against the law and drunken driving will be severely punished.

Rule 10

Prohibition of riding double

Except for the case of a small child in a carrier, a person other than the driver may not ride on a bicycle.

Rule 11

At night, please turn on the lights

Since a bicycle is a vehicle, always use a light at night.

In addition, in Japan, a bicycle that is not equipped with a rear light or reflector is subject to penalties as a vehicle in violation of the rules.