London Fixed-gear and Single-speed

Hello,

long time reader first time poster. I am looking to get the low down on the laws surrounding cycling in Tokyo. I have been offered a job over there starting in september and am looking to take my single speed with me. But after getting very vague answers about what the laws are regarding things like cycling on pavements, jumping lights, the general attitude of other road users and such. I thought I would do well to reach out to everyone on here for some advice. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dyna-j

im living in Kobe.

cycling on the pavements is allowed (altho have to watch out for the million of peds and other cyclists) heck, hardly anyone cycles on the road, the drivers here are bloody terrible, no indicating, randomly changing lanes, pulling over to the side.

i jump the lights all the time, and the police have seen me do it, and said nothing, they are more supprised at seeing cyclists on the road i think! i cycled for 60km today, and saw 3 cyclists..

those that you do meet are friendly, like most Japanese really.

err, what else... the roads, on the whole, are in lovely condition

hope this helps... super urban Toyko will be different to relativly rural Kobe.. but its a blast. take the job!

i've ridden in tokyo a bit, it was quite a buzz burning about sibuya with millions of peds. I RLJ'd a fair bit, rode on pavements etc, no problems, but I definitely didn't ride at the pace i ride in london, purely cos it's so busy around there.

riding in japan is v easy. roads are generally good and in my limited experience drivers move around to the letter of the law. you will have a lot more space on the road, i would avoid the pavements which will be crazy busy. the other plus is they drive on the left there so it should feel pretty familiar.

if ur arriving any time soon, just be warned... the rainy season is starting, so rain 4 days a week or so.. AND 30degres.... i cant bloody wait :|

thanks for all the advice guys, very much appreciated.

one other question, how easy is it to import and export parts/bikes?

I havent even been there, but from common sense and buying heaps of toys from there its pretty clear that its easy as the USA or Hong Kong.

Japan has a lot of stuff people buy mail order, be it toys, Fashion, Bikes, car parts, cat clothes hehehe...

The prices for shipping seem the same as anywhere else.

If you are planning on bringing a single frame, or a small amount of parts back with you, then you will have little or no problems.

If you plan on shipping items back via a 3rd party, then it is highly likely that you will incur import tax at some point.

and if you decide that the job in tokyo isn't for you........i will go and do it.

ha.

importing stuff to Japan is fine. and from my experience, they dont charge import tax :D (only shoes from the US, and books and stuff from home so far).

Postage here is cheaper than other places in Europe, and a darn sight quicker!