Bicycles play an important role in the Japanese lifestyle. It is very difficult to get around here without a bicycle. Everyone who comes to Japan to study or earn a living learns to ride a bicycle, and having one is a necessity. Since not everyone can afford to buy a car in Japan, and many are unfamiliar with the country’s driving rules, bicycles become the priority for transportation. Even the Japanese, who may own cars, often have their own bicycles. For tourists, there is a different system—bicycles are available for rent by the hour near most stations. These rental bikes are motor-assisted and battery-operated, making them very comfortable to ride.
People of all ages love to ride bicycles in Japan. Many travel by bicycle daily. The Japanese walk a lot and use bicycles for commuting. For example, they often walk or cycle to the office, court, school, or work. It’s surprising to know that 72 million people in Japan use bicycles regularly, and Japan ranks just behind the Netherlands and Denmark in terms of bicycle usage. The Japanese also participate in various festivals with bicycles to celebrate holidays, and cycling long distances from one city to another is very popular.
Some rules to follow when cycling in Japan include: While riding a bicycle, Japan currently bans the use of umbrellas, talking on mobile phones, and riding with more than one person. Fines or other punishments are enforced for not using headlights after dusk. There are special bicycles designed for carrying children along with a parent, but these are different from regular bicycles.