Feb 12 • 07:30 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Suspected of Not Attending Bicycle Course, Sent for Documentation: Took it Lightly Despite 50 Reminders

A man in Osaka has been sent for documentation for failing to attend a mandated bicycle safety course after receiving multiple reminders over 1.5 years.

In a notable case reported by the Osaka Prefectural Police, a 40-year-old man working in Osaka has been documented for not attending a required bicycle safety course after being suspected of committing dangerous traffic violations. This represents the first such case in the nation where someone has been sent for documentation for failing to attend the course, aimed at promoting safer cycling behavior among habitual offenders. The man admitted to taking the course lightly despite multiple reminders to attend.

The mandated bicycle course was established in 2015 as part of revised traffic laws, specifically targeting repeat offenders of various dangerous violations such as running red lights, drunk cycling, or using a smartphone while riding. Under these regulations, offenders must attend a 3-hour session costing approximately 6,150 yen, and those who fail to register for the course within three months of the official order may be subject to fines of up to 50,000 yen. The police revealed that this particular man had been repeatedly violating traffic rules, leading to the order from the Osaka Prefectural Public Safety Commission.

Despite receiving more than 50 reminders via phone calls and home visits, the man failed to attend the course by the deadline provided. Excuses ranging from personal issues to financial constraints were cited as reasons for his non-attendance. Having finally received the order in July 2022, the man continued to disregard the requirements until the established deadline in October 2023, raising concerns about adherence to traffic laws designed to protect public safety.

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