GINZA Q&A

Can you ride a bicycle on the sidewalk?

First of all, the major premises are
1: In principle, bicycles should be ridden on the roadway.
　Article 17 in the Road Traffic Act says, “In principle, bicycles should be ridden on the roadway on a road with demarcations between the sidewalk and the roadway.”
　In the case of Ginza, bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalk or vehicle-free promenade on Ginza-dori St. (Chuo-dori St.).
2: Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks in the following cases.
(1) There is a sign on the sidewalk saying, “Bicycles allowed on sidewalks,” for example
　In the case of Ginza,
① Streets like Showa-dori St. that have designated bicycle lanes
② Streets like Harumi-dori St. and Nishiginza-dori St. that have signs saying pedestrians have the right of way (bicycles can pass through while giving way to pedestrians)
(2) Bicycle passage by children under 13, adults aged 70 or older, and people with disabilities
(3) Bicycles cannot ride on the left side of the roadway due to road construction work or intermittent parked vehicles
　The rules are shown in photos, so look for the signs if you are unsure where to ride your bicycle. Pedestrians always have the right of way. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring everyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy strolling through Ginza.
The Ginza Association’s GINZA Machidukuri Council announced a plan for a Traffic Grand Design in 2015.
https://www.ginza-machidukuri.jp/parking/
　It sets rules for bicycles in areas within Ginza such as certain times when bicycle riding is prohibited and you must walk next to your bicycle, pushing it, and about strict prohibition of parking bicycles on the street. The Council continues discussing matters such as what public transit should look like in Ginza, creating safe and enjoyable pedestrian spaces, the relationship between cars and bicycles, and parking for loading and unloading.

(Editor: Ginza Street Association)