Hyogo Prefecture Police Advances Bicycle Traffic Safety with Rules, Education, and Upcoming Blue Ticket Enforcement
Hyogo Prefecture Police has launched an extensive online resource hub dedicated to bicycle traffic safety, offering rule handbooks tailored for all age groups, from preschoolers to adults, alongside videos and posters. Key highlights include strengthened penalties for smartphone use and drunk cycling under 2024 Road Traffic Law amendments, helmet-wearing encouragement from 2023, and the introduction of “blue tickets” for violations starting April 1, 2026. These initiatives aim to reduce accidents through education, focused enforcement zones, and projects like the “Charipro” safety campaign.
Background
The Hyogo Prefectural Police’s bicycle safety page serves as a comprehensive guide amid rising cycling use in sustainable urban transport. It details core traffic rules, such as sidewalk usage permissions (e.g., for children under 13, elderly, or those with infants), mandatory insurance, and regulations for electric-assist bicycles. Educational materials include downloadable PDF handbooks in booklet format for different school levels, a national police rulebook, and multilingual summaries of recent law changes (English, Chinese, Vietnamese). Police efforts feature the Bicycle Safety Project (Charipro), designated high-risk routes for guidance, a comprehensive bicycle strategy plan, and an annual “Bicycle Month” for intensified awareness. Accident statistics and videos, like a YouTube guide on key signs for cyclists, underscore the focus on prevention. Recent updates cover sidewalk rules (Jan 2025), a public registry for safety education providers (Jan 2026), and the phasing out of bicycle crosswalks.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the shift to blue tickets in 2026 will formalize fines for bicycle violations, aligning with national trends to treat cyclists more like motorists for accountability. Enhanced cyclist training programs and ongoing amendments, such as age limits on passenger numbers, signal a push toward safer infrastructure integration. As global cities prioritize cycling for sustainability, Hyogo’s model—blending policy, education, and enforcement—could inspire wider adoption of helmet norms, insurance mandates, and tech-restricted riding to cut accidents and support green mobility.