Contents
▾Traffic Rules for Bicycles
▾ Parking Lots for Bicycles and Motorcycles
▾ Bicycle Sharing

Traffic Rules for Bicycles

●Let’s obey the traffic rules for bicycles
Thinking that you are safe on a bicycle and ignoring the traffic rules can lead to a major, or even fatal, accident. Although you do not need a license to ride a bicycle, if you do not obey the traffic rules, this is considered to be a traffic violation punishable (in some cases) by a fine or imprisonment.

●Ride on the left side of the road
As a rule, if there is a sidewalk for pedestrians, you should ride your bicycle on the street with other vehicles. In addition, you must generally ride on the left side of the road. (Violators may be imprisoned for three months or less or fined up to ¥50,000.)
You can ride your bicycle on the sidewalk if there is a sign that says bicycles are permitted. However, bicycles must be ridden on the side closest to the road. If there are bicycle lanes, you must use them unless there are unavoidable circumstances.

●Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, so ride slowly
Be careful of the safety of pedestrians while riding your bicycle. Particularly, if you are riding on the sidewalk—slow down and pay attention to pedestrian activity. You must make a complete stop if riding is dangerous. (Violators may be fined up to ¥20,000.)

●Observe traffic signals and signs
(Violators may be imprisoned for three months or less or fined up to ¥50,000.)

●Follow the rules for turning right
Stay on the left side of the road whenever possible. When making a right turn at an intersection, you must go straight to the opposite corner of the intersection where you want to turn right. Make sure you lower your speed sufficiently. If there is a traffic signal at the intersection and you want to turn right, obey the traffic light and go straight to the other side of the street; then stop there and change directions to the right and after the traffic signal in front of you turns green, ride across the street.

●Turn on the front light of your bicycle when it is dim or dark outside
(Violators may be fined up to ¥50,000.)

●Riding a bicycle while using an umbrella or cell phone is not permitted
(Violators may be fined up to ¥50,000.)

●You must not ride your bicycle while under the influence of alcohol
(Violators may be imprisoned for five years or less or fined up to ¥1,000,000.)

●Do not carry passengers on your bike
Bicycles must be ridden without passengers except in the following cases (violators may be fined up to ¥20,000):
(1) Regular bicycles
A rider 16 years of age or older may carry only one preschooler if there is a seat for toddlers on the bicycle.
(2) Bicycles with seats for two preschoolers
A rider 16 years of age or older may also carry two preschoolers if the bicycle meets the safety standards for carrying two toddlers.

●Have children wear helmets while they are on bicycles

●When changing directions while riding, be sure to look back to check for safety before proceeding

●Park bicycles in designated areas, such as parking lots for bicycles

●Check your bicycle for safety before riding it

Bicycle Casualty Insurance

As of April 1, 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government requires all bicycle riders to enroll in insurance to ensure that they can pay for any damage or injury to others if the rider is involved in a cycling accident.
If the bicycle rider is under legal age (a minor), the parent/guardian must enroll in this type of insurance.

●Types of Insurance
You may be able to include bicycle casual insurance as a special contract in casualty insurance, fire insurance or vehicle (car) insurance. There are also insurance programs for bicycles in which you can easily enroll at convenience stores or via the Internet. There is also insurance that is displayed on bicycles (TS mark) that have undergone official safety inspection. Since there are cases in which liability is covered in insurance plans that you are already be enrolled in, please check with your insurance agent.
For more information, please ask your insurance company or insurance agent.

Parking Lots for Bicycles and Motorcycles

Section in charge: Bicycle Countermeasures Section, Traffic Affairs Division

Bicycles are a convenient means of transportation that anyone can use—you can carry luggage and widen your range of activity. However, if you leave your bicycle on the street, this obstructs pedestrian traffic and makes areas where crowds gather, such as station areas, particularly dangerous.
Shinjuku City has established bicycle/motorcycle parking lots near stations in the city.
These parking lots are operated by cooperating private companies, and are mainly unstaffed parking lots that you can use on an hourly basis. Some parking lots can also be used on a regular basis. In addition, some parking lots can be used to park motorcycles (over 50 cc) and motorcycles (50 cc or less).

●Tobu (East) Area

●Seibu (West) Area

●Removal of Illegally Parked Bicycles and Motorcycles
With the increase in the use of bicycles, illegally parked bicycles that obstruct traffic have become a social problem across Japan. Shinjuku City removes and stores bicycles and motorcycles that are left on the street near station areas. To reclaim your bicycle, you must pay a handling fee.

○Fee to Have a Bicycle/Motorcycle Returned

Bicycle Sharing

The bicycle-sharing system allows you to borrow and return bicycles at any of several “cycle ports” (bicycle borrow/return locations) within the community, typically on a 24-hour basis. You can use any of the cycle ports in Shinjuku, Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Bunkyo, Sumida, Koto, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Shibuya, Nakano, Suginami, and Nerima cities (as of October 1, 2022).

●How to Register and Use the Bikes
(1)Membership registration
Please download the Bikeshare app from the QR code and register your member information and payment method, such as your credit card.

(2)Register your card key
Obtain your eight-digit password for registration from the app. Use the bicycle panel to register your Traffic-IC card or smartphone as your card key.
Note: Even if you do not register your card key, you can unlock a bicycle using the four-digit pass code from the app.
(3)When renting a bicycle
(a)Press the “Start” button on the bicycle panel
(b)Use your registered Traffic-IC card or smartphone to unlock the bicycle
Note: You can unlock a bicycle using the four-digit pass code from the app.
(4)When returning the bicycle
Lock the bicycle manually at the “cycle port.”
■For bicycles with square keys: Press the “Enter” button, and confirm the “返却 (Return)” option on the panel.
■For bicycles with round keys: Press the “返却 (Return)” button, and make sure the ring displays a blue light.
Note: If you are unable to return your bicycle, please notify the call center.
(5)Temporary parking
(a)Lock the bicycle manually
(b)To keep riding, unlock the bicycle using the same procedures as for renting a bicycle

○Fees

(As of October 1, 2022)

●One-Day Pass
You can purchase a pass using the QR code.

Check the Bikeshare Service app or DoCoMo Bikeshare website for details about bicycle use and “cycle port” locations.

Inquiries: DoCoMo Bikeshare Inc. (fees are charged)
Tel: 0570-783-677
Website: http://docomo-cycle.jp/?lang=en

April 1, 2023