Uh oh, biking with umbrella...? Please see the article I have just posted to the thread you linked...Originally Posted by Maciamo
Cyclists who are found talking on their cell phones or riding while holding an umbrella may receive a maximum prison sentence of three months or be fined up to 50,000 yen.
Oh my goodness! How much is 50,000 yen in American dollars? It sounds like a lot.
That is weird that they are not very polite to bicyclists, especially when you consider how many people ride bicycles in Japan.
It's not very polite by bicyclists to ride with an umbrella in one hand. Gosh, pedestrians with an umbrella are already a pain in the ***, but cyclists?!
I ride regularly myself, but I never needed an umbrella while riding. All you need is appropriate clothing (or patience, if it rains too heavily).
The fine is ridiculously high, though. Here in Germany you would have a policeman come to you & ask you to put your hands on the handle bar, only if he has a very bad mood you might get fined. But comparatively moderate, 10 to 20 , I think (though for what I know umbrella is allowed here, anyway, but cell phone is theoretically forbidden).
What do you think about cyclists using their cell phones? Quite common here too.
It is simply dangerous, hence the law. However, according to my observations Japanese have a cat-like antipathy as far as rain is concerned (that involves cyclists as well as pedestrians, lolol), an antipathy that's stronger than any legal stipulation.
I agree, the fines are too high. That's why the regulation does not seem to be enforced. Sadly.
My solution: I only ride on streets. Car traffic is so much safer.
Actually, it all depends. When there is no traffic and no pedestrians around, do what you want (at least I do). But when there is traffic or people around, I think, it's simply irresponsible not to have both hands at the handle bar (although, when you wear glasses when it rains, the situation might be just as dangerous even with both hands holding it). Cell phones may be easier to handle, but it still distracts you.
Typical politician thought. "If we make the fines high enough, people will be so afraid that they automatically stick to the rules." Does not really work this way.I agree, the fines are too high. That's why the regulation does not seem to be enforced. Sadly.
I most often ride on the streets as well. Simply because you can drive faster there. Car drivers usually pay much more attention than pedestrians.My solution: I only ride on streets. Car traffic is so much safer.
Actually, there are special anoraks for cyclists, some poncho-like thingies, very thin & light, can be carried in a trousers' pocket. Much better than an umbrella, although it might look ridiculous.
When you are slow enough, it might not be too dangerous, but I would still avoid to use an umbrella.
I definitely agree on pedestrians with umbrellas. That's a reason why I try to avoid to go to the city centre when it rains.
Theoretically, as in "I never heard of a cyclist being fined for using a cell-phone." Umbrellas are allowed AFAIK, else it wouldn't make much sense for the ADFC (German cyclist organisation) to include in their tips that you shouldn't use one. Then they would have written that it's not allowed. Are you sure the law applies for bicyclists?
Well, here in California, the law basically refers to riding while under the influence, bicycle safety features, such as brakes, reflector lights, etc. I didn't see anything about umbrellas or cell phones. Section 21205 of the Vehicle Code did specify the following with respect to how many hands have to be on the handlebars:
So what is the difference with a cell phone, as long as you keep one hand on the handlebars?21205. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
Not only theoretically... you need a hands-off speaking device for your cell phone so you have your hands free, otherwise there is a high fine - around 100-200, I think.
Same goes for an umbrella or anything else that would occupy your hands - you must have your hands free, otherwise there's a high fine. The law about this is relatively new, from April of this year.
When going to work in suits there is no appropriate clothing. Btw, I find that pedestrians with umbrellas are more annoying that cyclists with umbrella, because they care much less, chat together without looking at whom they direct their umbrella, and usually do not try to avoid hitting people, while cyclists like me swerve their umbrella from left to right on purpose to slalom between the slow pedestrian crowd.
I find it easier to talk on a mobile phone while riding (slowly, advancing only with my feet as if I was walking) than with an umbrella, because 1) it is much smaller and one can easily grip back on the handle anytime, 2) there is no external contrain like th rain, 3) visibility is better than with an umbrella and there is no risk hitting a passerby with the phone. Some people can talk and still concentrate on where they are going, others need to stop. That also depends who is on the phone. I only talk to my wife on the phone while riding, and never at full speed. But many Japanese just don't look where they are going, even going slowly, and zigzag dangerously while doing so.
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Here in the States, too many people have abused cell phones, so now it's against the law to use a cell phone while driving unless it is set on "hands free." No problem for my car phone, but people who have portable cell phones have to buy some type of vehicle hookup device in order to use it as a "hands free" phone. I believe the fine is pretty hefty too, although I'm not certain what the amount is. However, I have no idea if it's against the law to use a cell phone while riding a bicycle. I'm not sure I have ever heard of any bicycle violations like that. Maybe I should research the issue and see what I turn up--at least for here in California.
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