[Closed] DON'T buy a Timberbell...

... if you ride in Japan. From todays BBC Coronavirus update about Japan.

In response, the government has approved an enforcement order tightening regulations on dangerous bicycle riding. The strange thing about these new regulations is what they prohibit: ringing a bell to annoy other cyclists, unnecessary braking and blocking pathways.

As a daily cyclist in Tokyo these are not what come immediately to mind as primary threats to public safety. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of dangerous cycling in Japan. Lots of cyclists barrel down sidewalks, which is a legal grey area, and many completely ignore traffic lights, which is not. Little is done to stop them.

However, from 30 June, if you’re caught ringing your bell too much you could end up having to take a mandatory traffic safety course, or face a US$500 (£395) fine, unless you’re under 14 years old – in which case carry on ringing!