{"id":28984,"date":"2025-12-16T08:44:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T08:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/?p=28984"},"modified":"2025-12-22T06:21:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T06:21:16","slug":"2026-revisions-the-blue-ticket-and-new-rules-every-cyclist-should-know-when-riding-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/2026-revisions-the-blue-ticket-and-new-rules-every-cyclist-should-know-when-riding-in-japan","title":{"rendered":"2026 Revisions: The \u201cBlue Ticket\u201d and New Rules Every Cyclist Should Know When Riding In Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>AlterLock is a Japanese company. From next year, Japan\u2019s laws governing bicycle riding will change significantly. We\u2019re sharing this article with an educational intent so future visitors who wish to cycle in Japan can ride safely and responsibly\u2014especially travelers who may not be familiar with local rules.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29029\" style=\"width:700px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-600x315.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When riding a bicycle in Japan, you might sometimes wonder, \u201cAm I going a bit too fast?\u201d or debate whether earphones are okay. There are plenty of traffic rules that concern us cyclists.<br>Starting in 2026, amendments to Japan\u2019s Road Traffic Law will begin that directly affect cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rules that were previously handled with a simple \u201cwarning\u201d will become subject to administrative fines, and clearer standards will be defined\u2014prompting many of us to rethink how we ride.<br>In this article, based on the latest <strong>\u201cBicycle Rulebook\u201d<\/strong> released by the National Police Agency, we explain in the most straightforward way possible the key changes road cyclists should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-2  uagb-block-c0ef13f5      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable Of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#2026-revisions-at-a-glance\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">2026 Revisions at a Glance<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#introduction-of-the-blue-ticket-system-from-april-2026\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Introduction of the Blue Ticket System (from April 2026)<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#violations-road-bikers-should-pay-special-attention-to\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Violations Road Bikers Should Pay Special Attention To<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#lateral-passing-keep-left-from-april-2026\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Lateral Passing &amp; Keep Left (from April 2026)<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#30-kmh-limit-on-residential-streets-from-september-2026\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">30 km\/h Limit on Residential Streets (from September 2026)<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-this-differs-from-moped-rules\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">How This Differs from Moped Rules<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-five-principles-for-safe-bicycle-use-from-a-road-cycling-perspective\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The Five Principles for Safe Bicycle Use \u2014 from a Road Cycling Perspective<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#summary\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Summary<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">2026 Revisions at a Glance<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s first get the big picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From April 1, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blue ticket system introduced for bicycles (applies to riders aged 16 and over)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New lateral passing rule and strengthened duty to <strong>keep as far left as practicable<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From September 1, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Statutory speed limit becomes <strong>30 km\/h<\/strong> on residential roads without a centerline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Introduction of the Blue Ticket System (from April 2026)<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Blue Ticket vs. Red Ticket: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the system in simple terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blue Ticket<\/strong>: Violations processed with an administrative fine. No court, no criminal record.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Red Ticket<\/strong>: Issued for serious violations. Leads to criminal procedures, with possible fines and criminal record.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short: <strong>Blue = lighter administrative handling<\/strong>, <strong>Red = serious criminal handling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Why Introduce Blue Tickets?<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are around <strong>70,000 bicycle-related accidents annually<\/strong>, and it\u2019s said that <strong>over 70%<\/strong> involve a violation by the cyclist.<br>Up to now, many cases were handled with a <strong>warning<\/strong>, while going straight to a <strong>red ticket<\/strong> and criminal procedures could be too heavy-handed and hard to operate in practice. The <strong>blue ticket<\/strong> is being introduced to fill that gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Main Violations and Typical Fine Amounts<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are examples relevant to road cyclists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Smartphone handling (holding\/operating)<\/strong>: \u00a512,000 (highest amount)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Running a red light<\/strong>: \u00a56,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Failing to stop (stop sign)<\/strong>: \u00a55,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Riding on the right (wrong-way) \/ riding on sidewalks<\/strong>: \u00a56,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dangerous acts such as high-speed riding on sidewalks<\/strong>: \u00a55,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Applies to <strong>ages 16+<\/strong>. Riders under 16 are primarily subject to <strong>guidance and warnings<\/strong> as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For road bikes, riding on the <strong>roadway<\/strong> has long been the norm. With defined fines, you may wonder\u2014if the roadway is judged dangerous and you ride on the sidewalk, is it an immediate violation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the law, merely riding on a sidewalk results in <strong>guidance\/warning only<\/strong>; enforcement focuses on cases involving <strong>danger<\/strong>\u2014for example, startling pedestrians or causing them to halt. Whether there is <strong>actual danger<\/strong> or you make others <strong>feel unsafe<\/strong> is a critical point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you violate these rules, you may be ordered to attend a <strong>Bicycle Operator Training Course<\/strong> (3 hours, paid). If you hold a <strong>driver\u2019s license<\/strong>, serious bicycle violations may also lead to <strong>license suspension<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Violations Road Bikers Should Pay Special Attention To<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Running Red Lights \/ Failing to Stop<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPushing through as a group,\u201d or \u201cnot wanting the line to split\u201d are common scenarios. This calls for a <strong>group-wide shift in awareness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Smartphone Handling<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking at maps on a smartphone mounted on your bars, an officer might judge that you\u2019re <strong>holding and closely viewing<\/strong> the device.<br>In cars, briefly glancing at navigation generally isn\u2019t an issue, but if you need a careful look, <strong>come to a full stop<\/strong> first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Earphone Use (single-ear, open-ear, bone conduction permitted)<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a major point of interest among cyclists. Previously, local <strong>ordinances<\/strong> varied, and opinions differed within the community. The current Rulebook clarifies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Both ears blocked (e.g., sealed canal type)<\/strong>: unable to hear surrounding sounds \u2192 <strong>Not allowed<\/strong>, subject to fines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Single-ear earphones \/ bone conduction \/ open-ear types<\/strong>: allowed <strong>if surrounding sounds can be sufficiently heard<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Excessive volume that prevents hearing surroundings<\/strong>: <strong>Not allowed<\/strong>, subject to fines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The principle is: <strong>\u201cIf you can\u2019t hear your surroundings, it\u2019s out\u201d<\/strong>; <strong>\u201cChoose a method that clearly lets you hear your surroundings.\u201d<\/strong><br>Until this is widely known, you may still see statements like \u201ceven single-ear is out,\u201d but this newly clarified point is worth noting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For road cycling earphones, <strong>bone conduction<\/strong> models like <strong>Shokz<\/strong> are a staple. Another recommendation is the <strong>open-ear<\/strong> <strong>Anker Soundcore AeroFit<\/strong>. I use this single-ear.<br>Both have over-ear hooks, high water resistance, and are designed for sports. In particular, <strong>AeroFit<\/strong> outperforms the <strong>Pro<\/strong> in water resistance; I\u2019ve used mine for about <strong>three years<\/strong> and it hasn\u2019t failed due to sweat\u2014very comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use earphones on a road bike, <strong>bone conduction<\/strong> or <strong>single-ear open-ear<\/strong> is reassuring. You can enjoy music or podcasts on <strong>cycling paths<\/strong>, <strong>quiet roads<\/strong>, <strong>hill climbs<\/strong>, and <strong>night brevets (Audax)<\/strong>.<br>Be aware that at <strong>high speeds<\/strong>, <strong>wind noise<\/strong> grows and makes listening harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">High-speed Riding on Sidewalks<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sidewalk riding is <strong>only an exception<\/strong>: allowed when <strong>indicated by signs<\/strong> or when <strong>unavoidable<\/strong>, and <strong>you must proceed slowly<\/strong>.<br>If you <strong>startle pedestrians<\/strong>, it\u2019s an immediate violation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Lateral Passing &amp; Keep Left (from April 2026)<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From April 2026, new rules on how <strong>cars and bicycles pass each other<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For drivers<\/strong>: When overtaking a bicycle, if you can\u2019t keep a <strong>sufficient lateral gap<\/strong>, you must <strong>reduce speed<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For cyclists<\/strong>: Duty to ride <strong>as far left as practicable<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For road cyclists, the iron rules are: <strong>keep a predictable line near the left edge<\/strong> and <strong>single-file<\/strong>.<br>No one should be cruising down the <strong>middle<\/strong> just because bikes ride on the <strong>roadway<\/strong>\u2014that can be seen as <strong>obstructive<\/strong>. The <strong>outside of the white line<\/strong> often has rough pavement or gutters, so the basic is the <strong>left side within the lane<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">30 km\/h Limit on Residential Streets (from September 2026)<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From September 2026, roads <strong>without a centerline<\/strong> in residential areas will have a statutory limit of <strong>30 km\/h<\/strong>.<br>If a posted speed limit exists, that posted limit <strong>takes precedence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cars are also <strong>30 km\/h<\/strong> here, so overall traffic speed drops\u2014potentially making riding more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your usual route or cut-throughs include residential roads, <strong>review your course<\/strong> and ride with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">How This Differs from Moped Rules<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mopeds<\/strong> must <strong>always<\/strong> obey <strong>30 km\/h<\/strong> anywhere.<br>Bicycles up to now followed <strong>posted limits<\/strong> or the <strong>statutory speed (60 km\/h)<\/strong>, but going forward, the new rule is: <strong>\u201cResidential roads are 30 km\/h.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">The Five Principles for Safe Bicycle Use \u2014 from a Road Cycling Perspective<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rulebook repeatedly emphasizes the <strong>\u201cFive Principles for Safe Bicycle Use.\u201d<\/strong><br>These don\u2019t change for road bikes, and for many cyclists, they\u2019ve long been common sense:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Roadways are the rule; ride on the left.<\/strong> Sidewalks are <strong>exceptions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Obey traffic lights and stop signs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use lights at night.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No drinking and riding.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Helmets are strongly encouraged.<\/strong> In reality\u2014if you care about survival\u2014<strong>they\u2019re a must<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-ast-global-color-0-color\">Summary<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the key points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blue ticket system (from April 2026)<\/strong>: Running red lights or handling a smartphone leads to <strong>immediate fines<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Red tickets<\/strong>: <strong>Serious violations<\/strong> like drunk riding or causing accidents go to <strong>criminal procedures<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lateral passing &amp; keep-left<\/strong>: New rules so <strong>cars and bicycles<\/strong> can ensure <strong>mutual safety<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>30 km\/h residential roads (from September 2026)<\/strong>: Keep speeds <strong>low<\/strong> in neighborhoods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Earphones<\/strong>: <strong>Two-ear sealing types are not allowed<\/strong>; <strong>single-ear, bone conduction, or open-ear<\/strong> are permitted <strong>if you can clearly hear surroundings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re entering an era where a small <strong>\u201coops\u201d<\/strong> can <strong>hit your wallet<\/strong>. But the real aim isn\u2019t just avoiding fines\u2014it\u2019s <strong>protecting yourself and your group<\/strong>.<br>Update your understanding of the rules, and <strong>enjoy a safer cycling life from 2026 onward<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also introduce AlterLock into your accessories to protect your valuable bike while traveling and even when back home(check for compatibility in your region).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Japan has countless wonderful places to ride a bicycle\u2014wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable experience!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-ce7fdc77 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/ja\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner01-sp-en.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29137\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AlterLock is a Japanese company. From next year, Japan\u2019s laws governing bicycle riding will change significantly. We\u2019re sharing this article with an educational intent so future visitors who wish to cycle in Japan can ride safely and responsibly\u2014especially travelers who may not be familiar with local rules. When riding a bicycle in Japan, you might [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29029,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[87,98],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-news-en"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg",1024,538,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-300x158.jpg",300,158,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-768x404.jpg",768,404,true],"large":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg",1024,538,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg",1024,538,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1.jpg",1024,538,false],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-600x315.jpg",600,315,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/alterlock.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cycling-in-Japan-1-100x100.jpg",100,100,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Site Manager","author_link":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/author\/siteadmin"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"AlterLock is a Japanese company. From next year, Japan\u2019s laws governing bicycle riding will change significantly. We\u2019re sharing this article with an educational intent so future visitors who wish to cycle in Japan can ride safely and responsibly\u2014especially travelers who may not be familiar with local rules. When riding a bicycle in Japan, you might&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28984"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29175,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28984\/revisions\/29175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29029"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alterlock.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}