By SHIMPACHI YOSHIDA/ Senior Staff Writer
December 22, 2023 at 18:52 JST
Drivers must keep a safe distance or slow down when overtaking cyclists under new rules proposed by the National Police Agency. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
Drivers will be fined if they fail to maintain a safe distance or slow down when they overtake bicycles under proposed revisions to the Road Traffic Law.
The new rules, announced on Dec. 21 by the National Police Agency, are designed to curb the growing number of traffic accidents involving bicycles around Japan.
The NPA will submit the revisions to next year’s ordinary Diet session.
Although the new rules do not specify distances or speeds, motorists will be advised to keep at least 1 to 1.5 meters away from cyclists when passing them on the right.
If road conditions limit that space, drivers must slow down to 25 kph to 30 kph, compared with the typical 20 kph speed of bicycles on roads.
Similar guidelines have been introduced in Ehime Prefecture.
The revisions will require cyclists to stay as far left as possible on the road and fine bicycle riders caught for minor traffic offenses.
The penalties will be similar to those currently imposed on drivers of small motorcycles, including 6,000 yen ($42) for ignoring traffic lights and 12,000 yen for using a phone while riding.
The new fines will apply to cyclists aged 16 or older and cover 115 violations.
Failing to pay the fine or committing more serious offenses, such as cycling while intoxicated, could lead to criminal prosecution.
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