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When Riding Bicycles(자전거를 탈 때는)

Last updated date:2023/4/1

Bicycle Insurance

Please take out a bicycle insurance policy (an insurance policy which provides personal liability insurance, etc.). These schemes pay out compensation in the event you are riding a bicycle in Yokohama City and you injure someone in a bicycle accident.
Guardians should make sure to sign up children under the age of 18 years for insurance covering bicycle accidents.

Main Rules of the Road for Bicycles

When cycling, please obey the rules of the road to avoid being involved in an accident.

  • Bicycles are no different to cars. Cycle on the left hand side of the road at the very edge, proceeding in the same direction as cars and motorcycles.
  • It is dangerous to suddenly shoot out. Always stop at stop signs.
  • Pedestrians have right of way on paths. You can only cycle on paths if there are signs telling you it is okay to do so, or if you are under the age of 13 years or 70 years or above, etc.
  • It is extremely dangerous to cycle at night without lights. Turn on your lights when it gets dark.
  • Do not cycle while using a smartphone, etc.
  • Wear a helmet when riding your bicycle to protect your head.

Bicycle Parking Lots

When out and about, please leave your bicycle or motorcycle in a designated bicycle parking lot.
List of bicycle parking lots (Japanese only)
You are not permitted to leave your bicycle or motorcycle in public spaces such as roads, as this impedes the passage of people and emergency vehicles. Bicycles and motorcycles left on the street may be taken away to a bicycle pound in accordance with a city ordinance.
List of bicycle pounds (Japanese only)
If your bicycle or motorcycle has been taken to a bicycle pound, you need to bring along the following to reclaim it.

  • A form of personal identification, such as your insurance card or passport
  • Handling fee (bicycles: 1,500 yen, motorcycles: 3,000 yen)
  • Key to your bicycle or motorcycle

When Cycling With a Child on Your Bicycle

When cycling with a child on your bicycle, you need a child seat.
Please pay attention to the following when putting your child in the child seat.

  • Always cycle on the left hand side of the road, even when cycling with a child.
  • Take care to cycle at a speed at which you can stop safely. Bicycles are heavy when carrying children, so you cannot stop so quickly.
  • Make sure to put a helmet on children. Adults should also wear their helmet.
  • Make sure your child wears a seatbelt. If not, he or she might be thrown out of the seat.
  • Do not leave your child sitting unattended in the bicycle. This is very dangerous, as the bicycle may tip over with your child still seated.
  • Your child can ride in a child seat until he or she enters elementary school. Elementary school students should not ride in child seats.
  • Even if you have enough seats, you can only ride with up to 2 children on your bicycle. Do not cycle with 3 or more children on your bicycle.
  • Do not cycle while holding a child. This is dangerous, as you will not be able to steer properly.
Where to inquire
Content Contact Details
About bicycle insurance and traffic rules Traffic Safety and Bicycle Policy Division, Road and Highway Bureau (*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Tel: 045-671-2323 Fax: 045-663-6868
Email: do-kotsujitensya@city.yokohama.jp
About bicycle parking lots and illegally parked bicycles Traffic Safety and Bicycle Policy Division, Road and Highway Bureau (*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Telephone number: 045-671-3644 Fax: 045-663-6868
Email: do-kotsujitensya@city.yokohama.jp

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