Bicycles 自転車
更新日：2024年4月19日
- Ride your bike by the rules!! ／ 自転車に乗るときのルール
- New bicycle helmet rule ／ 自転車のヘルメット着用について
- Subsidy for Bicycle Helmet Purchase ／ 自転車ヘルメットの購入補助
- Checking and maintaining of bicycle ／ 自転車の点検・整備
- Bicycle liability insurance is a legal requirement／ 自転車保険の加入義務
Please ride your bike by the rules!! 自転車はルールを守って乗りましょう
Bicycles must be ridden on the roadway in principle, use of sidewalks is an exception 自転車は車道走行が原則、歩道の利用は例外です
Under the Road Traffic Law, bicycles are considered light vehicles.
Therefore, in principle, bicycles must be driven on the roadway where there is a distinction between the sidewalk and the roadway.
Penalty: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
道路交通法上、自転車は軽車両と位置付けられています。
したがって、歩道と車道の区別のあるところは車道通行が原則です。
罰則：3か月以下の懲役又は5万円以下の罰金
Bicycles must be ridden on the left side of the roadway 車道の左側を通行してください
Bicycles must keep to the left end of the street.
Penalty: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
自転車は道路の左端に寄って通行しなければなりません。
罰則：3か月以下の懲役又は5万円以下の罰金
Pedestrians have priority on the sidewalk, proceed slowly on the road side 歩道の通行は歩行者優先で、車道寄りをゆっくり進んでください
When riding a bike on the sidewalk, ride no faster than the speed that allows you to stop immediately. You must halt temporarily when interfering with a pedestrian.
Penalty: A fine of up to 20,000 yen
Cases where bicycles allowed on a sidewalk
When there is a sign indicating that the bicycle is allowed on the sidewalk, when the cyclist is a child under 13 years old, an elderly person over 70 years old, a physically disabled person, or when it is unavoidable in a traffic condition or on a roadway. However, pedestrians have priority on sidewalks.
歩道を走行する場合は、すぐに停止できる速度で、歩行者の通行を妨げるときは一時停止しなければなりません。
罰則：2万円以下の罰金又は科料
歩道を自転車で通行できる場合
歩道通行可の標識等がある場合、運転者が13歳未満のこども、70歳以上の高齢者、体の不自由な人、車道又は交通状況からみてやむを得ない場合。ただし、あくまでも歩道は歩行者が優先です。
Be sure to follow bicycle rules for the safety of others and yourself 自身と周囲の安全のため、ルールを守りましょう
Do not drink and ride 飲酒運転は禁止
Riding a bicycle after drinking alcohol is prohibited, as is driving a car.
Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 1000,000 yen
*Penalty above is when riding while intoxicated
自転車も飲酒運転は禁止
罰則：5年以下の懲役又は100万円以下の罰金
※酒に酔った状態で運転した場合
Do not ride two or more people on a bicycle 二人乗りは禁止
Riding with two passengers is prohibited except when riding with a child under 6 years of age.
Penalty: A fine of up to 20,000 yen
6歳未満の子どもを乗せるなどの場合を除き、二人乗り禁止
罰則：2万円以下の罰金又は科料
Do not ride side by side 併進は禁止
Riding a bicycle side by side is prohibited except where there is a sign indicating "side-by-side allowed".
Penalty: A fine of up to 20,000 yen
「並進可」標識のある場所以外では、横並びになって運転することは禁止
罰則：2万円以下の罰金又は科料
Turn on headlight & taillight after dark 暗くなったらライトをつけましょう
At night, turn on the front and rear lights (or reflectors).
Penalty: A fine of up to 50,000 yen
夜間は、前のライトと後ろのライト（または反射器）をつけてください。
罰則：5万円以下の罰金又は科料
Obey the traffic signals 信号を守ること
Always follow traffic signals when there is a traffic light.
Penalty: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
信号を必ず守ってください。信号機のある場合は、その信号に従うこと。
罰則：3か月以下の懲役又は5万円以下の罰金
Be sure to stop at intersections and check for safety 交差点では一時停止と安全確認をしてください
Follow stop signs, and proceed slowly when exiting a narrow street onto a bigger street. Remember to check for safety.
Penalty: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
一時停止の標識を守り、狭い道から広い道に出るときはゆっくりと。安全確認を忘れずに。
罰則：3か月以下の懲役又は5万円以下の罰金
Major rules for bicyclist compliance (Chiba Prefecture Road Traffic Law - Enforcement Bylaws, Article 9) 運転者の遵守事項に関する主なルール（千葉県道路交通法施行細則第9条）
Riding a bicycle with an umbrella is prohibited 傘さし運転などは禁止
Dangerous cycling that obstructs the vision or makes the cyclist unstable, such as using an umbrella while riding a bicycle, is prohibited.
Penalty: A fine of up to 50,000 yen
傘差し運転など、視野を妨げたり不安定になるような危険な運転を禁止します。
罰則：5万円以下の罰金
Using a mobile phone,etc. while cycling is prohibited 携帯電話などの使用禁止
Holding a cell phone or other device (including portable music players) in the hand while riding a bicycle, talking on it, operating it, or viewing the image displayed on it is prohibited.
Penalty: A fine of up to 50,000 yen
自転車運転中に携帯電話等（携帯音楽機器を含む）を手で保持して通話や操作、表示された画像を注視することを禁止します。
罰則：5万円以下の罰金
Wearing headphones while cycling is prohibited ヘッドホンなどの使用禁止
Riding a bicycle while listening to music, etc. with headphones or other device is prohibited.
Penalty: A fine of up to 50,000 yen
ヘッドホンなどで、音楽等を聞きながら自転車を運転することを禁止します。
罰則：5万円以下の罰金
【New 'Duty of Effort' rule on bicycle helmets!】All cyclists in Japan should wear bike helmets from April 2023 / 全ての自転車利用者にヘルメット着用が推奨されています（令和5年4月から努力義務になりました）
Starting April 1, 2023, a revised section of the Road Traffic Act came into effect, making it a ‘duty-driven effort’ for people of all ages to wear a helmet. In Japanese, the policy is called a matter of doryoku-gimu, which roughly translates to “duty of effort.”
Although there are no legal penalties for not wearing a helmet, data show that the fatality rate in bicycle accidents is 2.1 times higher for those not wearing helmets versus those who do, indicating that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of death.
Everyone who rides a bicycle should wear a helmet for their own safety.
＞ A flyer on "New Bicycle Helmet Rule" by Chiba Police Dept. / 自転車ヘルメット着用チラシ
令和5年4月1日から道路交通法の一部が改正され、すべての自転車利用者に対する乗車中のヘルメット着用が努力義務化されました。
法令上、着用しないことによる罰則はありませんが、自転車事故により頭部を損傷して死亡に至る割合が、ヘルメットを着用していない場合は着用している場合と比較して約2.1倍も高くなるというデータもあり、ヘルメットの着用により死亡の危険性が大幅に低くなることがわかっています。
自転車に乗るときは必ずヘルメットを着用しましょう。
＞ Read in Japanese / 日本語で読む
Choose a helmet with the "SG Mark" SGマークのついたヘルメットを選びましょう
The SG Mark is given to all products that have passed the standards of the Product Safety Association of Japan (PASA) as safe products.
In addition, "Liability Insurance for Bodily Injury" is provided in the unlikely event of a defect in a product with the SG Mark.
SGマークは、安全な製品として製品安全協会の基準に合格した製品のすべてに付けられています。
SGマーク付きの製品の欠陥による万が一の人身事故に対して「対人賠償責任保険」が付いています。
Matsudo city support for bicycle helmet purchase / 自転車用ヘルメット購入費補助事業
Subsidy program for the purchase of bicycle helmets
As of April 1, 2023, the Road Traffic Law was partially amended to make it mandatory for all bicycle riders to wear helmets. In order to promote the wearing of helmets while riding bicycles, Matsudo City subsidizes the purchase cost of helmets only if they are purchased from a dealer in the city
Download flyer (Japanese)（PDF：647KB）
Application period
Deadline Extended! to March 31, 2025 (scheduled)
※Applications will be closed when the budgeted amount is reached.
Eligible Persons
Matsudo residents who are not in arrears with city taxes. For those under 18 years of age, applications from their parents/guardians.
Eligible Helmets
New bicycle helmets priced at 3,000 yen (including tax) or more that meet safety standards such as the ‘SG mark’.
Subsidy Amount
2,000 yen
If you purchase at a cooperating dealer, you can get a discount of 2,000 yen at the store.
How to Get the Discount
At the time of purchase at any of the cooperating dealers listed on this page,
Present the ID of the person applying and fill out the application form.
*Be sure to bring the identification documents (driver's license, my number card, etc.) of the applicant.
*Discounts are limited to one per user. In addition, if you have received the City's subsidy program for the purchase of infant helmets, you may not apply for this subsidy.
For those who purchased a helmet before the application period, or who purchased at stores in the city other than cooperating dealers
Eligibility
Those who purchased from a store in the city between December 20, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
Those who purchased from July 1, 2023 or later at a store in the city other than a cooperating store
How to Apply
1. Submit the application form, invoice and required documents (see below) to the Citizen Safety Div. by mail or in person.
2. Based on the application, the subsidy will be granted or denied, and the subsidy amount will be determined.
3. The applicant will be notified of the decision (or denial) by mail. If the subsidy is granted, it will be transferred to the applicant’s bank account
[By mail]
Fill out the application form and request form and send them along with the required documents by mail to the following address.
[Submit at the Counter]
Applications are also accepted at the Citizen Safety Division or at the counter of the branch offices. Please be sure to bring your personal seal (hanko) with you.
Mailing Address / Inquiries
TO: Matsudo City Hall, Shimin Anzen Ka (Citizen Safety Div.)
9F New Bldg., 387-5 Nemoto, Matsudo City, 271-8588
TEL: 047-366-7341
Required Documents
- Application Form
- Subsidy Request Form
- Copy of the applicant’s ID
- A photograph of the helmet purchased (with the safety mark visible)
- Original receipt that shows the helmet was purchased from a store in Matsudo City
- Copy of the first page of the bankbook
------------------------------------------
> Read in Japanese / 日本語で読む
Check and maintain your bicycle regularly / 自転車の点検・整備をしてください
It is important to inspect your bicycle on a daily basis to ensure that the brakes are working properly, that the tires are not worn or flat, and that the lights are working.
If you are unable to check and repair your bicycle yourself, have it serviced at a bicycle store.
ブレーキはきちんと効くか、タイヤの摩耗やパンクは無いか、ライトは点灯するか等日頃から自転車の点検を行う事が重要です。
自分で点検・整備が出来ない箇所は自転車安全整備店で行ってもらいましょう。
About Traffic Safety Mark / 安全安心TSマーク
TS (Traffic Safety) Mark
Sign identifying a "Bicycle safety maintenance shop"
If your bicycle is inspected or serviced (for a fee) by a certified bicycle safety mechanic, a TS Mark (valid for one year) will be affixed to your bicycle.
Bicycles with this mark are covered by accident and liability insurance.
自転車安全整備士による点検又は整備（有料）を受けるとTSマーク（1年間有効）を貼付してもらえます。
このマークが貼られている自転車には傷害及び賠償責任保険が付加されます。
Bicycle liability insurance has become a legal requirement from July 2022 / 2022年7月から自転車保険加入が義務化されました
In Chiba Prefecture, the "Chiba Prefecture Ordinance on the Promotion of Safe and Proper Bicycle Use" (April 2009) has been revised, making it mandatory to enroll in bicycle liability insurance, etc. for all bicycle riders in Chiba Prefecture from July 1, 2022.
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you may not only be injured, but you may also injure the other party or cause damage to their property.
Under the Road Traffic Law, bicycles are a type of vehicle (light vehicle), so in such cases, you are liable for damages to the victim in addition to criminal liability, just as you would be liable for damages to an automobile.
In recent years, the number of accidents caused by "cycling while distracted" (i.e., holding an umbrella, using a cell phone, headphones, etc.) has been on the rise. Because bicycles are a vehicle that can be used by anyone, anyone can be the perpetrator of an accident.
If you happen to be the perpetrator of a bicycle accident, you should have a bicycle insurance (liability insurance) to be prepared to pay compensation to the victim, and to negotiate a settlement between the parties even in the event that you are the victim.
千葉県では、「千葉県自転車の安全で適正な利用の促進に関する条例（平成29年4月）」の改正により、 令和4年7月1日から、千葉県内で自転車に乗る場合には自転車損害保険等へ加入することが義務となりました。
自転車による事故を起こしてしまったときは、自分がけがをするだけでなく、相手にけがをさせたり、相手の財産に損害を与えたりすることがあります。
道路交通法上、自転車は車両の一種（軽車両）のため、このような場合には自動車と同じように刑事上の責任に加え、被害者に対する損害賠償責任も生じます。
近年、傘さし、携帯・スマホ、ヘッドホン使用など「ながら運転」による事故が増加しています。自転車は誰でも利用できる乗り物だからこそ、誰でも事故の加害者になり得る可能性があります。
万が一、自転車事故の加害者になってしまった場合の被害者への賠償金支払いや、被害者となった場合の当事者同士の示談交渉等の備えとして、自転車保険（賠償責任保険）に加入しましょう。
<Caution!> Bicycles can also be held liable if they cause an accident 自転車も、事故を起こせば責任を問われます
Bicycles are vehicles. If a bicycle crashes into a pedestrian, it can kill the person and, like a car, the driver can be criminally charged with gross negligence manslaughter, etc., and may also be subject to civil claims for damages.
Examples of an accident involving a bicycle
- A fifth-grade boy was riding his bicycle down a hill at night when he collided head-on with a woman who was walking. The woman fell unconscious and suffered a broken skull.
→ The boy's mother was given an order to pay 95 million yen (=approx. 660,000 USD) in indemnification. - A high school girl was driving without lights while using her cell phone at night when she collided with a woman. The other party was severely disabled and lost her job.
→The high school girl (at the time) riding a bicycle was ordered to pay approximately 50 million (=approx. 350,000 USD) yen in indemnification.
自転車は車両です。歩行者に追突すれば相手を死亡させてしまうこともあり、自動車と同様、刑事的に重過失致死傷罪などに問われ、民事的にも損害賠償請求をさせる可能性があります。
自転車での加害事故例
- 小学5年生男児が夜間、自転車で坂を下り、歩行中の女性と正面衝突。相手の女性は頭の骨を折るなどし、意識が戻らない状態となった。
→男児の母親に賠償金9,521万円の支払い命令 - 女子高校生が夜間、携帯電話を操作しながら無灯火で走行中、女性と衝突。相手には重大な障害が残り、職を失った。
→自転車に乗っていた女子高校生（当時）に賠償金約5,000万円の支払い命令
Chiba prefecture leaflet for bicycle insurance (Japanese only) / 千葉県自転車保険のチラシ（日本語）
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