🚲 HELLO CYCLING 101: The “Cheat Code” for Tokyo Transport

(Basic Manual for Smart Travelers)

Tokyo’s train system is the best in the world. But sometimes, the station is just too far from that hidden ramen shop or seaside park. Walking takes 20 minutes. Taxi costs ¥1,500. The answer? HELLO CYCLING.

With over 8,000 stations (ports) nationwide, this yellow logo is your key to freedom. Almost all bikes are Electric Assist, meaning you can climb steep hills without sweating.

Here is the Smart Tokyo manual to mastering Japan’s shared bike system.

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📱 Step 1: Preparation (Before You Go)

Do not try to register while standing in the rain. Do this at your hotel.

1. Download the App: Search for “HELLO CYCLING” (iOS/Android).
2. Register: Link your Credit Card or PayPay.
3. Optional but Recommended: Register your IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) as a key. This lets you unlock the bike just by tapping the card, without opening the app every time.

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💴 The Price (High Cost-Performance)

Prices vary slightly by region/bike type, but here is the Tokyo standard:

• First 30 Minutes: ¥130 (approx. $0.90)
• Extension: ¥100 for every 15 minutes.
• Max Charge (12 Hours): Approx. ¥1,800 (Great for long rides).

Note: It is much cheaper than a taxi and more flexible than a bus.

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🚦 WARNING: The New Traffic Rules (Nov 2024 Update)

Japan’s bicycle laws became extremely strict recently. Police are issuing “Blue Tickets” (fines) instantly.

• 🚫 No Smartphones: Holding a phone while riding = Fine up to ¥12,000 (or worse, prosecution). Mount it or stop to check maps.
• 🚫 No Alcohol: Riding drunk carries heavy penalties (same as cars).
• 🚫 Stay on the Left: Bikes are legally “Small Vehicles.” You must ride on the road (left side), not the sidewalk.
  • Exception: You can use the sidewalk only if signs permit it, or if traffic is dangerous. If on the sidewalk, ride slowly on the side closest to the road. Pedestrians are Kings/Queens.

📱 Essential Hack: The Smartphone Holder (Avoid the Fine!)

⚠️ Important Warning: Japanese traffic laws regarding smartphones on bicycles were tightened significantly in November 2024.

• Holding a phone in your hand while riding is strictly illegal (fines can reach ¥100,000 or imprisonment, but typically a ¥12,000 ticket).
• Staring at a screen (even if mounted) for more than 2 seconds is also prohibited.

The “Smart” Solution: However, it is not illegal to briefly glance at a navigation app on a mounted smartphone holder. To navigate safely and legally:

1. Do NOT hold your phone.
2. Buy a Holder: Go to a 100 Yen Shop (like DAISO, Seria, or Can Do) before renting a bike. You can buy a bicycle smartphone holder for just ¥110 to ¥550.
3. Install it: It takes 30 seconds to attach to the Hello Cycling bike handle.
4. Ride Safe: Rely on voice navigation and only glance at the screen when necessary.

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🚲 How to Ride (The Flow)

1. Reserve a Bike

Open the map. Find a “Port” near you. Tap a bike icon.

• Check Battery: Choose a bike with “Battery High” or “FULL”.
• Booking: Once reserved, you have 30 minutes to start using it. If you don’t unlock it within 30 mins, it cancels automatically (free of charge).

2. Unlock

Go to the bike number you reserved.

• Method A (Code): Enter the 4-digit PIN displayed on your app into the bike’s handlebar panel.
• Method B (IC Card): If registered, just tap your Suica on the panel.
• The Lock: The rear wheel lock will snap open automatically. Clack!

3. Ride & Pause (Parking)

Enjoy the electric assist!

• To Park Temporarily (Shop/Lunch): Manually push the rear lock down.
• To Resume: Tap your card or enter the PIN again. Do NOT press “Return” on the panel yet!

4. Return (The Most Important Part!)

Find a destination Port on the app (Make sure there is a “Returnable” slot open).

1. Park within the designated yellow lines.
2. Manually lock the rear wheel.
3. Press the “ENTER” / “RETURN” button on the bike’s panel.
4. Confirm on App: Check your phone. Did you get the “Return Complete” notification?
   • Horror Story: If you forget to press “Return,” the billing continues forever. Be careful!

🚨 NEW: Japan’s Bicycle Fine System (April 2026 Update)

As of April 1, Japan introduced a “Blue Ticket” fine system for bicycles.
If you are 16 or older, this applies to you — including HELLO CYCLING users.

There are 113 possible violations, but police still issue warnings for minor cases.
However, certain dangerous behaviors are now strictly enforced.

🚫 Immediate-Risk Violations

• 📱 Holding a smartphone while riding
  → Approx. ¥12,000 fine
  (Mounted navigation is allowed. Holding it is not.)
• 🚧 Entering a railroad crossing when barriers are down
  → Approx. ¥7,000 fine
• 🔧 Riding with defective brakes
  → Approx. ¥5,000 fine

These are considered accident-prone and are often ticketed immediately.

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🚲 Sidewalk Riding — What You Need to Know

Legally, bicycles are “light vehicles.”
That means the road (left side) is the default.

Sidewalk riding may result in:

• Improper road classification violation → approx. ¥6,000
• Failing to ride slowly on sidewalks → approx. ¥3,000

But you may use sidewalks if:

• Signs permit it
• Traffic is clearly dangerous
• Road conditions make riding unsafe

If on the sidewalk:

• Ride slowly
• Stay on the road-side edge
• Pedestrians always have priority

If unsure, dismount and walk. That is always legal.

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Why This Matters for HELLO CYCLING

Electric assist bikes accelerate quickly.
But legally, they are still ordinary bicycles.

Enforcement is especially strict near:

• Major stations
• Tourist districts
• Busy intersections

Ride predictably. Prioritize pedestrians.
Japan’s rules are strict — but consistent.

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