Cyclists using mobile phones while riding in Japan could face up to six months in prison under strict new rules introduced on Friday.
Those who violate the revised traffic laws can be punished with up to six months in prison or a fine of 100,000 yen ($655; £508).
The number of accidents involving cyclists began to increase in 2021, as more people chose to cycle instead of using public transportation during the pandemic, according to local media. Authorities are now rushing to regulate riders.
In addition to cracking down on phone use, the new rules also target cyclists riding under the influence of alcohol, with a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,278 ; £2,541).
Hours after the new laws took effect, Osaka authorities confirmed Friday that they had already recorded five violations of the new traffic laws, including two men caught riding their bikes while drunk. Although one of the men collided with another cyclist, no injuries were reported.
More than 72,000 bicycle accidents were recorded in Japan in 2023, accounting for more than 20% of all road accidents in the country, according to local media.
In the first half of 2024, accidents involving cyclists using their phones left one person dead and 17 seriously injured – the highest number since police began recording such statistics in 2007.
Between 2018 and 2022, according to police, 454 accidents were caused by cyclists using phones, an increase of 50% compared to the previous five-year period.
The latest rules add to a series of safety regulations aimed at protecting the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
Last year, authorities made it compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets. In May, Japan's parliament passed a bill allowing police to fine cyclists for traffic violations.
