Why Ring the Bell! ── An Injury Incident Involving a Bicycle Bell and a Comparative Guide to "Bell Culture"

Table of Contents

1. Incident Overview and Social Impact

2. Japan's Road Traffic Law and Bell Usage Restrictions

3. The Japanese Perception of Bells: The Cultural Background of "Sound = Nuisance"

4. Bell Usage in Other Countries
   4-1 United Kingdom: Recommended Etiquettegov.uk
   4-2 Netherlands: Mandatory Equipment and "City BGM"thenaturaladventure.com
   4-3 United States: A Culture of Verbal Warnings Over Bellscyclingsavvy.org

5. Comparative Analysis: "Warning Device" vs. "Communication Tool"

6. Expert Comments and Accident Statistics

7. For Foreigners: Seven Guidelines for Using/Not Using Bells Safely in Japan

8. Conclusion: The Need for Mutual Understanding and Infrastructure Improvement
   
   

1. Incident Overview and Social Impact

The recent incident on a major road in Osaka City involved a cyclist who rang their bell twice to ask a pedestrian to yield the path, resulting in the cyclist being slashed on the right arm with a knife by a man in his 40s.

Although the injury was minor, the sensational nature of a "knife incident triggered by a bell" spread on social media, reigniting the debate over "sound etiquette" between cyclists and pedestrians. The police are pursuing the man on suspicion of assault, with a strong aversion to bell usage seen as a possible underlying factor.times.abema.tv

2. Japan's Road Traffic Law and Bell Usage Restrictions

Article 54 of the Road Traffic Law defines bicycle bells as "warning devices" under the same framework as car horns, specifying the situations where they may be used.

• Warning at blind intersections

• Sections marked with "Sound Horn" signs
  
  Use outside these situations is considered "unnecessary sounding," and violators may face fines or penalties of up to 20,000 yen.japaneselawtranslation.go.jpjapaneselawtranslation.go.jp
  
  
  

The Social Norm of "Not Ringing the Bell"

In Japan, where riding on sidewalks is permitted, many perceive bells as intimidating to pedestrians. The high priority on pedestrian rights, emphasis on quietness in public spaces, and the culture of using silent modes on trains have collectively formed an unspoken understanding that "not ringing = consideration."

3. The Japanese Perception of Bells: The Cultural Background of "Sound = Nuisance"

• Historical Background: Since the 1950s, frequent bell usage in narrow urban sidewalks led to accidents, prompting stricter guidance against unnecessary ringing.
  
  

• Sound Environment: High sensitivity to noise in densely populated residential areas.
  
  

• Aesthetics of Personal Space: The Japanese culture of "reading the air" encourages conveying intentions through eye contact or speed adjustment rather than using bells.
  
  
  
  

4. Bell Usage in Other Countries

4-1 United Kingdom

The 'Highway Code' Rule 63 states, "When approaching pedestrians, slow down and alert them with a bell or voice." Bells are mandatory at the point of sale, but their use is not obligatory. Ringing is considered polite, and passing silently is often criticized.gov.uk

4-2 Netherlands

In the cycling nation of the Netherlands, road traffic laws mandate bell equipment. Ringing is a daily occurrence and considered part of the urban soundscape. Pedestrians promptly yield upon hearing a bell, reducing collision risks.thenaturaladventure.com

4-3 United States

In urban areas, verbal warnings like "On your left!" are more common than bells. Among cyclists, bells are sometimes seen as tools for tourists or families, with etiquette varying by community.cyclingsavvy.org

4-4 Other Regions

• Germany: Bell equipment is mandatory and usage is encouraged under traffic regulations.

• France: Limited bell usage opportunities due to the prohibition of sidewalk cycling.

• Singapore: Bell installation is mandatory, and either bell ringing or verbal warnings are required in pedestrian zones.
  
  
  
  

5. Comparative Analysis: "Warning Device" vs. "Communication Tool"

Even with the same device,

Whether sound is perceived as a "warning" or a "greeting" significantly affects cultural acceptance.

6. Expert Comments and Accident Statistics

Traffic psychologist Miki Tanaka notes, "In Japan, due to the culture of sidewalk cycling, bells are often seen as 'sounds that disrupt pedestrian priority.' However, the dilemma of increasing contact accidents without ringing is also becoming apparent." According to police statistics, 31% of bicycle accidents in 2024 involved "contact with pedestrians on sidewalks," with about 40% occurring without "bell or verbal warning."

7. For Foreigners: Seven Guidelines for Using/Not Using Bells Safely in Japan

1. When cycling on sidewalks, reduce speed as much as possible and indicate intentions by slowing down rather than ringing the bell.
   
   

2. If you must ring, do so briefly once, and accompany it with a verbal "Excuse me."
   
   

3. At night, flashing lights are less likely to cause trouble than ringing the bell.
   
   

4. Feel free to ring at blind intersections or in "Sound Horn" sections.
   
   

5. Using smartphones or wearing earphones while cycling is illegal and dangerous.
   
   

6. Always show appreciation if a pedestrian is startled.
   
   

7. Even when renting bicycles in tourist areas, check with staff about Japanese bell etiquette.

8. Conclusion: The Need for Mutual Understanding and Infrastructure Improvement

The debate over whether to "ring or not ring" a bell is not a technical issue but a cultural one. For pedestrians and cyclists to coexist safely, it is essential to expand infrastructure (such as bicycle lanes on roads) and reconsider the "acceptable range of sound" with an international perspective.

While the recent incident is an extreme example, it highlights the friction over "who should be prioritized." When cycling in Japan, foreign cyclists should respect the social norms that value silence while choosing the best solution to ensure their own and others' safety.

List of Reference Articles

1. ABEMA TIMES "Why Ring the Bell? Cyclist's Right Arm Slashed with Knife Over Bicycle Bell Dispute"
   
   

2. Japanese Law Translation "Road Traffic Law (English Translation)" Article 54
   
   

3. GOV.UK "The Highway Code — Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)" Rule 63
   
   

4. The Natural Adventure "Embracing the Etiquette of Cycling in the Netherlands"
   
   

5. CyclingSavvy "Should you use a bicycle bell, or your voice?"
   
   

6. Reddit "Bell etiquette...?"