Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Police in Japan crack down on umbrella-toting cyclists

Poncho sales soar

The Japan Times reports that demand for ponchos has soared since revised traffic laws came into effect at the start of June. Police have been cracking down on anyone cycling holding an umbrella and so cyclists have been looking to other means of keeping themselves dry.

Under revised laws, holding an umbrella can be considered to constitute dangerous riding. Individuals 14 years and older who commit this or other cycling violations twice in three years are obliged to attend a three-hour safety lecture.

At a Tokyu Hands outlet in the city of Osaka, the number of inquiries about rain ponchos was said to have been 1.6 times higher in June than in the same month the year before with the figure then more than doubling in July. At a Loft store in the same city, July sales were reported to be 8.4 times higher than the previous year.

In 2011, Dutch company Madame de Pé unveiled a poncho called Le Déluge as part of a range of rainwear for female cyclists. Priced at €148, the emphasis is on fashion, but it is supposed to be practical too.

Extra fabric ensures the poncho covers the knees and curtain weights keep it from billowing, while a gutter channels water away. The hood turns with your head, there’s a visor to keep the rain out of your eyes and the cuffs extend over your hands to keep them dry as well.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

Add new comment

10 comments

Avatar
arowland | 8 years ago
0 likes

Umbrellas are pretty common in Holland too. But most of the bikes have a backpedal brake leaving one hand free. I wouldn't want to use an umbrella on my bike, especially if it's windy.
Now ponchos -- aren't they just capes with a built-in hood? Perfect (until you try to look over your shoulder). Personally I use a cape and sou'wester. It's like having your own personal tent.

Avatar
andrew9 | 8 years ago
0 likes

Umbrellas work great on a (slow) bicycle.
The most common umbrellas in japan are clear plastic, and you hold them like a windshield as you ride along, brilliant!

Avatar
KopiC | 8 years ago
0 likes

Maybe Helmet mounted umbrellas and stem mounted quick-release umbrella holders will soon be in fashion...

Avatar
efail | 8 years ago
0 likes

No helmet, no high viz, riding on the pavement and carrying an umbrella. Life time ban...minimum.

Avatar
OldRidgeback | 8 years ago
0 likes

You see cyclists and scooter riders too using umbrellas in China. They have special umbrellas just for the job.

Avatar
Chris | 8 years ago
0 likes

Clint Eastwood had one

Avatar
bendertherobot | 8 years ago
0 likes

My comment was about umbrellas, of course. Ponchos are just fine!

Avatar
mikroos | 8 years ago
0 likes

Actually ponchos are quite awesome. Maybe not all of them are beautiful but you won't look any better all wet anyway... So much better than umbrellas!

Avatar
bendertherobot | 8 years ago
0 likes

Good, it's properly idiotic. Danger aside, I mean, it doesn't work.

Avatar
harrybav replied to bendertherobot | 8 years ago
0 likes
bendertherobot wrote:

Good, it's properly idiotic. Danger aside, I mean, it doesn't work.

Idiotic? Danger? Doesn't work? Are you mad or just idiotically lacking in context awareness? They use brollies in Bordeaux, work great, no "danger".

Latest Comments