Summary

Hokkaido Prefecture has released the draft of its Third Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan, spanning from now until fiscal year 2030, aiming to create a safer, more accessible cycling environment under the slogan “Higher Safety! Deeper Assurance! Expanding Bicycles ∞ Hokkaido!!” The plan addresses low bicycle usage for commuting and schooling, subpar helmet and insurance adoption rates, and recent road traffic law changes, while promoting bikes for health, environment, tourism, and disaster response. Key focuses include stricter traffic rule enforcement, expanded infrastructure networks, and cycle tourism initiatives.

Background

Bicycles have long served as everyday transport in Hokkaido for commuting, schooling, and shopping, but evolving societal needs have amplified their role in reducing environmental impact, promoting health, boosting tourism, and aiding disaster mobility. Recent amendments to Japan’s Road Traffic Law (in fiscal years 2022 and 2024) introduced effort-based helmet mandates, penalties for phone use while riding, and stricter rules against drunk cycling, marking a new era for safety regulations. Hokkaido-specific developments include the designation of the “Tokapuchi 400” route as a national cycle route and ongoing bike lane expansions.

Local challenges persist: bicycle commuting/schooling rates, helmet usage, and liability insurance enrollment lag behind national averages. The draft plan, mandated by Japan’s Bicycle Promotion Law (Article 10), responds by outlining three deployment directions: (1) enforcing traffic rules and safety education through awareness campaigns, school programs, and helmet promotion; (2) advancing municipal bike network plans, safe passageways (including bike paths), and insurance uptake; and (3) encouraging usage for health/SDGs, cycle tourism (e.g., via adventure travel labels like ATWS2023), share bikes, and disaster preparedness. It aligns with Hokkaido’s SDGs vision and draws from national guidelines on bike networks and space design.

Future Outlook

The plan targets a vision where “everyone can enjoy safe, comfortable cycling” by 2030, with coordinated efforts across prefecture, municipalities, and stakeholders using PDCA cycles for evaluation and annual progress reports. Expected outcomes include widespread helmet habituation, comprehensive bike networks reducing regional disparities, booming cycle tourism leveraging routes like Tokapuchi 400, and integrated share bike systems for tourism and daily use. By fostering disaster resilience and SDGs contributions, Hokkaido aims to elevate cycling as a multifaceted sustainable transport mode, potentially inspiring similar initiatives nationwide.

Sources

• Primary: Overview of the Draft 3rd Hokkaido Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan (Japanese PDF)
• Bicycle Promotion Plan and Space Design Guidelines in Japan
• Facebook Discussion: Bike Rental Options and Cycling Routes in Furano