自転車のルール・マナー
Penalties for "using smartphones while cycling" and "cycling under the influence" have been strengthened
As of November 2024, stricter penalties apply for "using smartphones while cycling," which includes operating a smartphone or other devices while riding. Additionally, "cycling under the influence" has been newly added to the list of punishable offenses.
- Using smartphones while cycling
- Holding a smartphone or similar device while riding to make calls or focus on the screen.
[Example penalties]- Up to 6 months of imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥100,000
- If this behavior causes danger to traffic: up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥300,000
- Cycling under the influence and assistance
- Includes cycling under the influence of alcohol, providing alcohol, riding along with the cyclist, or providing the bicycle.
[Example penalties]- Violators: up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥500,000
- Providers of bicycles: up to 3 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥500,000
- Providers of alcohol and passengers: up to 2 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥300,000
Obligation to make the best efforts to wear helmets
Effective April 2023, the wearing of helmets has become mandatory for all bicycle users. Kotobike will lend helmets free of charge to Kotobike users to wear while using the service.
●Free helmet rental service Helmets are available for free rental to Kotobike users. If you wish to rent a helmet, please ask at the store where the rental service is available.
Wearing a helmet
It is believed that wearing a helmet correctly can reduce the impact to the head that occurs when thrown onto the road in a collision to one-quarter of the impact that occurs when not wearing a helmet. For a safe and enjoyable day, we ask for your cooperation in wearing helmets while riding your bicycle.
How to wear it correctly Choose a helmet that fits your head size. Neither too large nor too small will give you the full effect. Angle the helmet so that the tip of the helmet is just above your eyebrows and wear it evenly on both sides.
Adjustment of chinstrap Tighten the buckle of the chinstrap securely. The best condition is to have one index finger between your chin and the chinstrap.
Rules for riding a bicycle on the road
Keep to the left of the roadway. In principle, bicycles should be driven on the roadway. When riding on a roadway, keep to the left side of the road.
Pause at intersections. Accidents at intersections are common in Kyoto. Be sure to stop at all temporary stops to check for safety.
Rules for riding a bicycle on sidewalks
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks. When riding on the sidewalk, you must pause if you are obstructing pedestrians.
If there is a sign on the sidewalk that reads "Regular bicycles may pass on the sidewalk," they may pass on the sidewalk.
Manners for parking bicycles
【Kyoto City】
Parking bicycles on the street is prohibited. If a bicycle is removed due to illegal parking, a removal and storage fee of 3,500 yen will be charged for its return.
【Otsu City】 Parking bicycles on the street is prohibited. If a bicycle is removed due to illegal parking, a removal and storage fee of 2,000 yen will be charged for its return.
［Area where bicycles are prohibited from being left unattended］
Ono Station, Katata Station, Ogoto Onsen Station, Hieizan Sakamoto Station, Karasaki Station, Otsukyo Station, Otsu Station, Zeze Station, Ishiyama Station, Seta Station, Biwako Hamaotsu Station, and nearby
For more information, please click here.
Traffic restriction map of central Kyoto
Install the application below.
