Q. What safety precautions are necessary while cycling on the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. What safety precautions are needed during cycling?

A. Wearing a bicycle helmet is essential. Before your ride, it’s also a good idea to review traffic rules for cyclists and learn about common accidents and falls involving bicycles. Controlling your speed, especially on downhill slopes, and riding slowly is very important for safety.

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Accidents on the Islands Can Be Serious

Along the Shimanami Kaido, cyclists of all skill levels—from beginners to advanced riders—share the road. Pedestrians and scooters often travel the same routes, and cyclists also pass through roads used by local residents. Although traffic volume is lower than in urban areas, many bicycle accidents occur along the route. On the islands, hospitals are few, and ambulances may take longer to arrive. Therefore, preparing thoroughly and taking safety precautions are essential to ensure a safe cycling experience.

Always Wear a Helmet

In the event of an accident or a fall caused by unfamiliar bicycle handling, wearing a helmet can literally mean the difference between life and death. When renting a bicycle along the Shimanami Kaido, a helmet is always provided—make sure to wear it while riding. Helmets absorb impacts by breaking upon hard contact, protecting your head from severe injuries. Wearing cycling gloves can also help prevent injuries to your hands if you fall and instinctively use them to break the fall.

Review Traffic Rules

Whether you’re cycling for the first time in a while or regularly enjoy cycling, it’s important to review the traffic rules before your ride. Traffic laws may have changed since you last checked, and many people misunderstand which signals to follow or where bicycles are permitted. Every cyclist visiting the Shimanami Kaido should follow traffic rules and etiquette to help maintain a safe and enjoyable cycling route for everyone.

Know Common Accident Patterns

If you are new to bicycle travel or riding a sports bike for the first time, learning about common accident and fall scenarios in advance is important. Experienced cyclists often avoid slippery spots or dangerous areas instinctively, but beginners may find this difficult. Be especially careful on narrow bridges and downhill slopes, as these are common accident locations. Reducing your speed and paying close attention will help prevent accidents.

This page answers the common question: “What safety precautions are needed during cycling on the Shimanami Kaido?” with both a simple answer and detailed explanations. For more FAQs, please check the link below. We hope this information helps you plan a safe cycling trip along the Shimanami Kaido.