Bicycle

Rules for Where Bicycles Travel

• In principle, bicycles travel on the left side of the road.
• In areas marked with the bicycle signs, bicycles may travel between the center of the sidewalk and the road.
• When a bicycle section is defined on the sidewalk, bicycles must travel within it.
• While on the sidewalk, bicycle must travel at a slow enough speed to be prepared to stop at any time.
• When disturbing the path of pedestrians stop and walk your bicycle.

Rules for Safety

• If there is a stop sign, stop in front of the white line painted on the street.
• Riding a bike with one hand whilst holding an umbrella or talking on your mobile phone is prohibited.
• Putting headphones on when cycling is prohibited.
• Doubling is against the law.
• Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is against the law.
• Riding a bicycle on a parallel with other cyclists is against the law.
• Use a light when riding a bicycle during night time.
• Use a lock.
• Try to wear a bicycle helmet.
• Obey traffic signals.
• Do not cycle on roads covered with snow or ice.

Registration for Theft Prevention

As the number of bicycles increase, theft is also increasing. Registration for Theft Prevention will make it easier to find stolen bicycles. Registration is required by law.
You can register your bicycle at bicycle shops with your bicycle, ID card and a fee of ¥800.
Be sure not to lose the registration card issued at the shops. If you give your bicycle to your friend or are given a bicycle from your friends, you need to change the personal information attached to the bicycle. For details of the procedure, please ask at a bicycle shop.

http://www.do-bohan.or.jp/jiten/jitlist.html (Japanese only)

• It is a crime to use another person’s bicycle without permission.
• When returning home, do not leave/discard your bicycle. Please handle it responsibly by giving to your friend, taking to university coop (only coop union members) or a recycle shop, or disposing as an ovesized trash.

Parking Area

Bicycles should be parked only in areas designated as parking spaces. Around the subway station, such as Kita 12 Jo, and Sapporo Station, some areas are forbidden. If you park your bicycle in the forbidden area it will be removed. You have to get your bicycle back within two months and it costs ¥2,000. Please refer to the website of City of Sapporo for legal parking areas.

https://www.city.sapporo.jp/kensetsu/dokan/jitensha/ (Japanese only)