Japan considers Ministry of Bicycle Promotion

Japan’s federal government has floated the idea of creating a Ministry of Bicycle Promotions. A parliamentary working group made the recommendation, and has suggested it take effect before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The proposal suggest the Ministry would create a unified set of rules to govern cycling, as well as providing for the infrastructure needs to encourage cycling as a form of mainstream transportation before the Olympic Games.

At present, cycling in Japan is regulated by a number of different authorities and agencies, sometimes with conflicting results.

The Liberal Democratic Party made the announcement, and went so far as to suggest that Sadakazu Tanigaki might be the ideal candidate to serve as minister.

While the overall concept has been well received in Japan, certain groups are concerned that the leadership of such a ministry would fall victim to cronyism, rather than qualifications. The website, Tokyo by Bike, has suggested Tanigaki may not be the right person for the job.

Part of the ministry’s responsibility would be in enforcing rules for cyclists. At present, some rules are broken with such flagrance that officials have turned to prison terms to try to deter bad behaviour. Failing to stop can incur a fine of over $500 and up to three months in jail.