Making bicycle safety a competitive sport

Every month on the 18th, Japan observes Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Day,二輪・自転車安全日. It is a reminder to practice safe riding and prevent traffic accidents involving two‑wheeled vehicles. The initiative began in 1977 when the Tokyo Metropolitan Police designated the 18th as “Bicycle Safety Day,” later expanding it in 1978 to include motorcycles as well.

The number “8” was chosen because its shape resembles a pair of wheels, and although safety campaigns were once held on all dates containing an 8, the 18th has become the primary awareness day. The goal is simple but essential: encourage riders to follow traffic rules, wear helmets, use lights at night, and regularly check brakes and tires.

In Saitama Prefecture, they have turned bicycle safety into an annual elementary school competition! One school for every police district participates. One year, my children's school was chosen as the school for the large police district that we are part of. And one of my children was chosen as one of the five people to represent the school. It was a fantastic experience, and they actually came third in the competition, the first time our police district had ever finished in the top three. They won a bicycle for the school! 

I think it is a great idea to tie a competition to road safety, particularly bicycle safety as bicycles are so widely used in Japan. My daughter had to learn the rules of the road for the competition as well as learn many different bicycle tricks. I have no doubt she will remember them well into her adult life.