Make city streets more friendly to bicycles

Should bicycles always stay on the road or would it be better to allow them on the sidewalks? The Road Traffic Law in Japan requires bicycles to stay on the road and use sidewalks only in areas designated by prefectural public safety commissions.

But few people are aware of this rule. Most roads do not have proper bicycle lanes, so bike riders often use sidewalks to avoid the dangers of motor traffic. By the same token, bike riders stay on the road if they feel safe or when the sidewalk presents obstacles.

With traffic volume growing for vehicles as well as bicycles, the rules exist in name only.