Osaka City is intensifying efforts to enhance bicycle passage environments, prioritizing roadway cycling to protect pedestrians amid a surge in bike-related accidents. Drawing from a pioneering 2016 plan, the initiative responds to the mayor’s directive and widespread citizen concerns about bikes on sidewalks. Recent updates outline continuous road markings through 2027 to make bike paths clearer for cyclists and drivers.

Background

Osaka has led Japan in bicycle infrastructure since 1973 (Showa 48), developing structurally separated “bicycle paths” on major roads and visually distinct “bicycle-pedestrian paths” (e.g., colored pavements) on sidewalks. However, with bicycle accidents—particularly those involving pedestrians—rising sharply as a share of total traffic incidents, the city shifted focus. In July 2016 (Heisei 28), it adopted the “Osaka City Bicycle Passage Environment Improvement Plan,” emphasizing car lane cycling for cyclist safety and comfort while prioritizing pedestrian protection.

The push was spurred by the mayor’s instructions for roadway improvements in high-risk areas and numerous citizen complaints about dangerous sidewalk biking. Key milestones include:

• FY2013–2016 (Heisei 25–28): Model bike lanes on Honmachi-dori with effect evaluations.
• 2015–2016: Bicycle environment study meetings and public comments.
• FY2016–2018 (Heisei 28–30): Short-term rollout of road markings (bike symbols, arrows) at major intersections in central districts like Kita, Nishi, Fukushima, Chuo, Tennoji, and Naniwa.

These efforts align with broader sustainable transport goals, including the Osaka City Cycling Road Guide Map.

Future Outlook

Under the mid-term plan (FY2019–2027, Reiwa 1–7), Osaka will extend markings beyond intersections with continuous features like bike symbols, arrows, and blue arrowhead indicators along routes. This aims to make optimal bike positions instantly visible to users and drivers, enhancing safety citywide. A detailed overview is available in the plan’s summary PDF.

Sources

• Original: Osaka City Bicycle Passage Environment Improvement (Japanese)
• Osaka City Bicycle Passage Environment Improvement Plan Summary (PDF, 916KB)
• Osaka City Cycling Road Guide Map (English PDF)