Before the Blue Ticket 1468

On Friday, April 10th, it had been a long time since I last went out wearing a raincoat on Kuromimi-go (my human-powered mamachari bicycle).
Fortunately, it is rare for rainy weather to coincide with my outings by bicycle, and lately, I have been switching to the bus whenever it can serve as a substitute.

On April 1, 2026, penalties for bicycle traffic violations were strengthened.
This is the introduction of the so-called blue ticket system.
I am not saying that I want them to overlook things.
Riding side-by-side with many bikes, looking at a smartphone, talking on the phone, walking a dog, speeding in the wrong direction, riding without lights—please, go ahead and crack down on them.
In reality, it is dangerous and scary.

But, but, isn't there something that should be done before strengthening the penalties?
Cars parked in bicycle lanes, cars driving in bicycle lanes, cars that crowd you, or cars that pass right by you without even slowing down.

There are many roads without bicycle lanes.
Even when they exist, the width is sometimes insufficient.
The edges of the roadway are often bumpy, or have grooves and seams.
There are also gratings and manholes.
Sometimes fallen leaves and trash pile up there.

There are sidewalks designated for bicycle use.
Bicycles must travel on the side of the sidewalk closest to the road so as not to obstruct pedestrians.
Sidewalks with trees planted near the road, sidewalks with tactile paving installed near the road, sidewalks that are too narrow—where exactly are we supposed to ride?

People who have obtained a driver's license (should) know traffic rules and the characteristics of cars.
Whether they follow them or not is another matter.
Even when you are not driving yourself, you (should) be able to imagine the movements of cars, the psychology of drivers, and the dangers of accidents to some extent.

Sometimes I get startled by bicycles (and pedestrians) that make sudden, unexpected movements.
For example, stopping suddenly, changing direction suddenly, jumping out onto a main road from a narrow side street, or turning suddenly without checking for following vehicles. Aren't those things done by children or people who have never obtained a driver's license?
If so, wouldn't it be necessary to provide opportunities to learn and receive education before cracking down?

There probably aren't any curious police officers who would conduct enforcement on such a pouring rainy day, but safety comes first.
I left for the station early, giving myself plenty of extra time compared to my usual travel time.
I even managed to catch a train one or two earlier than planned.

It is a road I am used to, but I rode with many times more caution than when it is not raining.
I avoided manholes, gratings, tactile paving, road bumps, seams, and steps as much as possible.
I wouldn't want to accidentally ride over one and fall.

There is a section where a guardrail is installed between the roadway and the shoulder.
The guardrail is not embedded in the asphalt but is of the type with concrete footings.
Because of the footings, the width of the shoulder is just barely enough for one pedestrian to pass.
It is a route for local buses, so riding a bicycle on the roadway is dangerous.
But I cannot ride on the narrow shoulder either.
I have no choice but to walk slowly along the edge of the roadway while pushing my bicycle.
The terror of being passed by a bus is something else!!

Between us, until now, I had been riding on the right side (going against traffic) in this section.
Because of the guardrail, I couldn't ride on the inside of the shoulder or on the roadway.
Of course, I didn't speed and was careful of both cars and pedestrians, but with the strengthening of penalties, I can't do that anymore.

Roads include public roads and private roads, and the jurisdiction of public roads is divided among the national government, prefectures, and municipalities.
You have to request road repairs and maintenance from the relevant department.
Even if the road is finally made nice, if there is gas or water work, it gets dug up and becomes bumpy, and that is separate from the road jurisdiction.
I wonder who installed that guardrail?

The traffic light in my direction turns red, and while slowing down, I try to proceed along the edge of the roadway to the stop line... but I can't.
A car turning left is stopped right at the very edge.
I was indeed taught to stop at the far left so that two-wheeled vehicles don't get caught when turning left.
But, what about that?
They could just wait for the bicycle going straight to pass before turning left.

This is also something you learn when getting a driver's license, but the more vulnerable you are, the more priority you should be given (pedestrians > bicycles > cars), right?
On actual roads, cars are prioritized.
Even if they are designed so that cars can drive easily and traffic doesn't jam, are they designed for pedestrians to walk easily? For them to cross easily? For bicycles to ride safely? Not at all.
What about pedestrian bridges and underpasses?
Only people with physical strength and agility can use them.
What about users of canes or walkers? Portable oxygen users? Wheelchairs? Strollers?

Even though I left the house quite early, I arrived at the station just in time for my planned train.
The combination of stricter bicycle penalties and rainy weather meant I had to be more careful than expected, and it took more time.
Safety must be prioritized above all else, but there are many things I want them to look at before cracking down.
For me, a bicycle is not just a means of transportation, but also a buddy and a pleasure.

2026.4.10. Fri

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