Ahead of the effort to make helmet-wearing mandatory for all cyclists regardless of age starting from April 1, police and other officials are urging bicycle users to wear helmets. On the 8th, police officers and municipal officials distributed leaflets to promote the use of helmets at an intersection in the cycling-heavy area of Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City. Until now, helmet-wearing while riding a bicycle had been required only for children under 13 years old, with parents encouraged to ensure compliance. However, in response to a series of bicycle accidents, the Road Traffic Act has been amended to make helmet-wearing an effort obligation for all people riding bicycles regardless of age from next month. According to police, nearly 60% of the people who died in bicycle accidents in the prefecture over the past five years suffered fatal head injuries, and the mortality rate of people who did not wear helmets was higher than that of those who did. “There is no penalty, but we are calling for everyone to wear helmets to reduce fatal head injuries and avoid sadness. We ask for your cooperation,” said Yoshimune Jodo, head of the first traffic division at Chuo Police Station. Source: NHK
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