Biking rules can be erratic in Japan so bike riders must be alert and use common sense. You will probably be amazed when you first arrive in Japan at how many senior citizens ride bikes. It’s a common sight to see people in their seventies and eighties riding bikes fitted with baskets and side panels so that they can carry their groceries back home.
Always ride on the left side of the road (opposite to North America) sticking to bicycle lanes or going with the flow of traffic. Riding on the sidewalks is allowed, however this must be done with a lot of caution and bell ringing. Please watch out for pedestrians and pedal slowly in congested areas. Walk your bikes across crosswalks or train tracks. By the way, bikes are not allowed on trains unless they are foldable and put in bags. Helmets are rarely seen even on children even though it is the law for any rider under the age of 13.
Because bicycle theft is almost unheard of in Japan, hardly anyone locks their bike, but if you are borrowing someone’s bike or renting it, you should lock it up. Be careful when parking your bike in a bike parking lot; do not knock down a whole row of bikes as you are maneuvering yours into position!
Apparently if you carry an umbrella and/or a cellphone while riding your bike in Japan, you will be sent to jail for three months. Furthermore, if you cycle while drunk, you be sent for five years!! So be sensible when bike riding in Japan.
