Comments on: Bike Laws and Courtesy

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:42:37 +0000

Thanks for the tip, Martin!

I try to do that, too. Once you get used to not ringing the bell, using it gets a little awkward.

All I have in English is the link above. I’ve seen the Japanese one, but it seems to differ per prefecture. They might have a list at your city office.

Thanks for dropping by!

By: Martin

Martin — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:57:17 +0000

I live in Matsumoto, but I’ve lived other places as well. I try to avoid the bell, especially when I’m up close to someone who doesn’t know I’m there. I look for a way to get around if possible, or say sumimasen in my sweetest voice. If all else fails, I just pop off into the street. If I see someone up ahead and know I’m going to have to go around him, I use the bell from a distance back, and kind of softly, so it doesn’t sound to harsh or startling. That works pretty good.

Now, I’d like to know where I can get hold of all the bike laws. I figure I break a lot of them regularly. Do you know where I can get them, especially in English?

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:20:16 +0000

Hi Moon! Thanks for commenting!

It’s more just a thing in the countryside, I guess. Many of my Japanese friends just say “Better to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to yourself”. They seem to dislike making their presence known.

Thanks for sharing!

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:09:41 +0000

Hi Jim! Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment!

I still use my bell, there’s really no other way, sometimes. But I often follow it up with a “Sumimasen”.

I often ask Japanese friends why they think it’s rude to ring their bike bell, but they don’t really know why, either. It’s just something their parents and grandparents have told them when they were little.

By: Moon

Moon — Fri, 30 May 2008 07:50:30 +0000

I second that. I live in Fukuoka City, and people always use the bell to let you know they’re behind you. How else are you, the pedestrian without eyes on the back of your head, to know?

Also, people do walk as if they are in a drunken stupor here as well.

By: Jim Porter

Jim Porter — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:42:00 +0000

People always use their bell to signal they are behind you etc. Everyone does it. It is not rude. Whoever told you that is an idiot or they are exaggerating hugely or you are having a major communication breakdown.
I live in Tokyo and almost everyone will use their bike bell if you are blocking the sidewalk.

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:34:22 +0000

Thank you for commenting, malinka18!

I really love living in Japan, even if sometimes it gets trying. I try to always be open-minded though and accept things as they are. Good luck with your Japanese studies!

By: malinka18

malinka18 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:42:32 +0000

Thanks for your honest descriptions of your experiences in Japan. I hope to go there one day as I have always had an interest in Japanese culture. I also have several friends who have lived in Japan teaching ESL and they all had a great time. I am currently learning Japan online http://learnbasic-japanese.blogspot.com so that I’ll be able to communicate and get ‘by’ while I’m there.

By: Marie

Marie — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:45:28 +0000

Thanks again, simaldeff!

I know what you mean, but everyone is just so polite here, and also so patient, no one wants to really ruin the harmony by shouting a “Get out of my way!”

I do call out “Sumimasen” but even if there is only a slight tone of annoyance in your voice, it turns them hostile, making you the rude Gaijin…

By: simaldeff

simaldeff — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:42 +0000

The only way I know to overtake people in bicycle is the good ol’ “MOVE IT!!!!” … but I do live in Italy. Italy is a country where you never, whatever the law say, have the priority, you have to fight to TAKE IT!
It’s really tiring … so sometimes I take my care to Switzerland to have a relaxing, danger free, ride.