Japan’s government will start penalizing people who engage in so-called “distracted cycling” from November in a bid to prevent accidents involving cyclists who use smartphones or other mobile devices while pedaling.
Lawmakers around the country passed a revised Road Traffic Act in May, which includes a ban on such conduct.
The Cabinet on Friday decided to enact the legislation on November 1.
Anyone who causes an accident while cycling and using a mobile device will face up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen, or roughly 2,000 dollars.
Cyclists who are staring at their devices while moving will also be subject to a prison term of up to six months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen, or about 690 dollars.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department says “distracted cyclists” caused 18 fatal or serious injuries in the six months to June this year, and the number of cases in increasing.
The department says it will make efforts to educate the public about the dangers and will crack down on any offenders.
Cycling under the influence of alcohol, currently not penalized, will also be subject to a prison term of up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, or about 3,400 dollars.
The police say they will also make it known that mopeds, or vehicles with both bicycle pedals and motorcycle engines, are now classified as motorcycles.