Bicycle Laws - more honoured in the breach

The humble bicycle is legally classified as a light vehicle in Japan. However the associated laws are, as the saying goes, "more honoured in the breach than the observance". People generally ride on the sidewalk, or if on the road, head on into traffic. Helmets are rare although mandatory for children and the limit is one passenger although two children strapped front and back is a common sight. If you buy a bicycle or bring one to Japan, register it with the police. If you are stopped they will check it's not stolen and if you're not registered, you're at the beginning of a lot of paperwork.