Riding under the influence is also now punishable with prison time.

Summary: Japan has introduced strict new penalties for cyclists using mobile phones or riding under the influence, aiming to curb rising bicycle accidents. Cyclists caught using phones now face up to six months in jail or a 100,000 yen fine ($655; £508), while riding drunk can lead to three years in prison or a 500,000 yen fine ($3,278; £2,541). These rules follow a rise in bicycle accidents, which now account for over 20% of Japan’s traffic incidents, as cycling grew during the pandemic. The measures build on recent laws requiring helmets and imposing fines for cycling violations.

  • @TheGrandNagusEnglish
    28•3 months ago

    I’ve had my jaw fractured by a cyclist who knocked into me due to not paying attention. I now have an ugly scar because of it.

    There’s all kinds of obstacles in cities. Including hundreds of thousands to millions of people. I can tell you from experience that a bike going into you at 30-40 km/h will hurt.

    It’s not at all unreasonable to be against people pissing about on their phones while cycling.

    The issue is compounded by cyclists who ride through pedestrian areas, cyclists who seem to think red lights don’t apply to them, and people getting electric bikes and whizzing around effortlessly at a high speed.

      • TimeSquirrel
        20•3 months ago

        It’s not at all unreasonable to be against people pissing about on their phones while cycling.

        I don’t know, maybe you missed this or something. Don’t know where you got the idea that bikes themselves are bad.

          • TimeSquirrel
            3•3 months ago

            First, who are you quoting?

            Literally the person four comments above this one, right before yours. You gotta slow down when reading comments dude.

      • @TheGrandNagusEnglish
        9•3 months ago

        Bikes obviously have their place. For the time being, so do cars (although cities could certainly benefit from being less car-centric).

        The operator of neither should be pissing about on their phones, both for their own safety and the safety of others.

      • @sensiblepuffinEnglish
        3•3 months ago

        You’ve waited years for this moment, haven’t you?