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.

    • 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?