Photo/Illutration A customer at the Gotanda branch of Tokyo of Cycle Base Asahi looks over the selection of helmets. (Shoko Mifune)

Cyclists became obligated April 1 to make an effort to wear helmets even though the revised Road Traffic Law has no penalties for those who refuse to comply. Even the police are expected to turn a blind eye to riders who opt to go out without protection.

The provisions are aimed at cutting down on road fatalities.

The National Police Agency said 339 people died in 2022 while riding bicycles, noting that only 14, or 4.1 percent, had worn helmets. There were also 67,801 injuries involving bike riders. But only 9.9 percent of those involved in the accidents wore helmets.

Of the 1,902 people who died in bicycle accidents during the five-year period up until 2022, police cited head injuries as the main cause in 56.3 percent of cases.

Retail outlets selling bicycles and accessories have reported a sharp increase in helmet sales.

Cycle Base Asahi, a nationwide chain of outlets selling bicycles and parts, said it doubled its floor space at its Gotanda branch in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward for helmets from September and now provides about 10 different types.

Store manager Noritoshi Yuge, 36, said helmet sales in January were double that of January last year.

He added that many customers were already aware of the legal revisions.

Companies that deliver various food and other products by bicycle are also encouraging their riders to wear helmets.

For example, Uber Eats Japan Inc. is offering monetary incentives. The food delivery operator has about 100,000 registered delivery people who use bicycles or motorcycles.

From September, the company set up a voluntary registration program via an app. Delivery people who register receive a coupon worth 1,000 yen ($7.50) that can be used for receiving their own food delivery.

In addition, riders who take selfies of themselves wearing helmets during deliveries at least once a week will receive 3,500 yen when they post photos for five consecutive weeks.

“By having our riders take the initiative, we hope to contribute to heightening awareness in the local community about wearing helmets,” said a company representative.

While Yamato Transport Co. is known primarily for door-to-door deliveries by truck, of which it has tens of thousands, it also began using battery-assisted bikes pulling carts from 2002. There are now about 3,900 such contraptions in use around Japan and the company is encouraging users to wear helmets.

About 5,000 of the women who deliver fermented milk drinks and other products for Yakult Honsha Co. use bicycles and the company has distributed notices to its sales companies encouraging the use of helmets during work hours.)

(This article was written by Shimpachi Yoshida, a senior staff writer, Ryo Oyama and Shoko Mifune.)

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