Police Crackdown On Cyclists

[Mulboyne]

Asahi: The wheels of justice turn as police target cyclists
Bicycle rides are often seen as an eco-friendly way to get exercise, a quick and easy means to get to a nearby destination, or a relaxing outing for the family. But cyclists unaware of the rules--and the tough punishment system for violators--could find that their leisurely ride has taken them to court or even prison. "Bicycles are so common, but many users have insufficient knowledge about the traffic rules they should obey, resulting in malicious and dangerous ways of riding," an official of the National Police Agency said. Police, in fact, are cracking down on reckless cyclists across the nation in response to the surging number of accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians. According to the NPA, 599 cyclists were ticketed for criminal prosecution in violation of the Road Traffic Law between January and September. Some of the offenders were arrested. The nine-month figure exceeded the full-year total of 585 in 2006, and was about five times the figure for 2003. For minor traffic violations, motorists are given blue tickets. Offenders are exempted from criminal prosecution if they pay specified fines, although they will be imposed penalty points on their licenses. For serious violations, they are arrested or given red tickets for criminal prosecution. But the blue-ticket system for minor traffic violations does not include cyclists. That means cyclists are automatically given red tickets for any violation and face criminal prosecution. Their papers are sent to prosecutors and they are sentenced or receive summary orders at traffic courts. Bicycle riders face a maximum sentence of three months in prison or a fine of up to 50,000 yen for failing to obey traffic signals or stop signs. Drunken cyclists can be sentenced to five years in prison or fined a maximum 1 million yen. Riding double on a bicycle can result in fine of up to 20,000 yen...more...

Related FG Threads;

Bicycles Not Built For Two
Cycling On The Sidewalk
Cops Blame Cyclists for Rise in Accidents
Bicycle Regulations
Cycling Laws

[AssKissinger]

Drunken cyclists can be sentenced to five years in prison or fined a maximum 1 million yen

Goddamn. I always felt like I was doing the world favor. I mean, cycling drunk as a monkey is still a million times safer (for others) than driving sober.

[Blah Pete]

8O Goddamn. I always felt like I was doing the world favor. I mean, cycling drunk as a monkey is still a million times safer (for others) than driving sober.

Cycling drunk is more dangerous than driving drunk. I think I have crashed my bicycle every time I've been drunk. The car only received a few scratches. Plus the car always seems to know the way home.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Cycling drunk is more dangerous than driving drunk. I think I have crashed my bicycle every time I've been drunk. The car only received a few scratches. Plus the car always seems to know the way home.

I think that "for others" was the key phrase in AK's post.

[Mulboyne]

Mainichi: Police want ban on using mobile phones while riding bicycles

Talking on a mobile phone while riding on a bicycle should be banned, an advisory panel for the National Police Agency (NPA) proposed in a report on Thursday. The report, compiled by an advisory panel of experts for the NPA, also suggested outlawing parents from riding with more than one child on their bicycle at a time. The advisory panel has been discussing safety for cyclists, and their report will be incorporated into the NPA's first drastic revision to its traffic safety manual in 29 years. The manual has been used across the nation in traffic safety classes conducted by police for local residents. The report filed on Thursday suggested banning cyclists from pedaling while: using a mobile phone; listening to music with headphones on; and randomly ringing the bell to avoid trouble with others.

[amdg]

I think the cops have found the magic formula - if they keep decrying the really insignificant shit, eventually they won't have to do any real police work at all.

News Headline of the future:
"Police Warn of Illegal Inner-city Lichen Growth; Warn That Trend is on the Rise"

Police Commissioner reports - "we simply need more manpower and rescourses in order to combat this terrible ....."

[succubusqueen]

What???....how about all those bunch of jerks I encounter every f*cking day when they are usually riding their bikes, text messaging, holding an umbrella and smoking!!!:confused:

[omae mona]

Talking on a mobile phone while riding on a bicycle should be banned, an advisory panel for the National Police Agency (NPA) proposed in a report on Thursday.

I'm not sure this is a bad idea. About once a month either I or my wife have a near-collision with a bicycle while we're walking on a sidewalk or along the edge of a street in a quiet residential area. Without exception, the rider always is on the phone or listening to an ipod. It's really been ticking me off. No injuries so far, though.

[succubusqueen]

I'm not sure this is a bad idea. About once a month either I or my wife have a near-collision with a bicycle while we're walking on a sidewalk or along the edge of a street in a quiet residential area. Without exception, the rider always is on the phone or listening to an ipod. It's really been ticking me off. No injuries so far, though.

I agree with you!!....I have seen the most absurd accidents because of some dumbass that has to be on the phone and has to ride his bike at the same time!!
I mean...how many minutes is he going to spend by stopping and dialing, text messaging or whatever!!...

[Mulboyne]

There's something hypnotic about these cycling safety videos:
















]

[yanpa]

Damn, I got stopped by the Boys from Pipo-kun for riding without lights (just around the backstreets to the konbini I hasten to add, I really need to fix them...) and they didn't even have the common decency to card me. Just checked the name I gave matched the one reported for the registration, and wished me on my way with a "ki wo tsukete".

[kurogane]

Bastards. I don't think I got carded once this past long summer visit. WTF is going on!!?????????????

PS lights are your friend. Think about some of those newer mini LED flashies. They're 500 yen, the batteries last for an eon. Those coin batteries they use seemed comparatively expensive but they last ages. I ride around like a Christmas tree.

[matsuki]