#Japan #Gunma #Toyota Mobility #Gunma Prefecture #Yowamushi Pedal

Toyota Mobility Foundation's Initiative for Safer Cycling

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), led by President Akio Toyoda, is making strides in promoting bicycle safety with its initiative "Stop! Bicycle and Car Accidents – Breaking the Record for Worst Cycling Accident Rate" in collaboration with Gunma Prefecture. This campaign aims to reduce the number of bicycle accidents and make safer surroundings for cyclists.

In a continuous effort to educate high school students about proper cycling behavior, TMF has revised a guidebook designed to teach bicycle rules in collaboration with the popular manga series "Yowamushi Pedal." Following last year's successful presentation of the guidebook to high schools throughout Gunma, the updated version was ceremoniously donated to the bike club of Isesaki Technical High School within the prefecture.

A Guidebook for Change

The guidebook encapsulates the concept of being "understandable" and "action-inspiring." It focuses on presenting not only the reasons behind certain rules but also specific methods for practically applying them. By utilizing the vibrant energy and themes of "Yowamushi Pedal," which is set in Gunma, the revised guidebook aims to make the rules more relatable for students. Instead of feeling like imposed regulations, young readers can see these guidelines as personal responsibilities.

Amidst the rise in cycling popularity, amendments have been made to incorporate the background of the new traffic violation notification system (the blue ticket) for cyclists, which is set to commence in April 2026. This system aims to foster accountability among cyclists and encourage safer riding habits.

Download the Guidebook

The updated collaborative guidebook can be downloaded here. The download will be available until April 30, 2027, providing ample time for students, teachers, and guardians to absorb its content.

About Yowamushi Pedal:
Created by Wataru Watanabe and published by Akita Shoten since 2008 in "Weekly Young Champion," this critically acclaimed sports manga can boast over 32 million copies sold. The series not only depicts intense bicycle racing but has also expanded into various media, including TV adaptations, stage plays, and movies, solidifying its place in popular culture.

By integrating popular culture into educational efforts, TMF hopes to engage high school students and other young adults in making informed choices about cycling safety and behavior on the roads. This initiative exemplifies TMF’s commitment to promoting a safer environment for all road users.

As the fight against bicycle accidents continues, all stakeholders, including schools, local governments, and businesses, are encouraged to participate and make strides towards achieving zero bicycle-related fatalities. TMF's work highlights the importance of collaboration across industries to cultivate a safer future for mobility in communities.

More Information

For additional details about the initiatives undertaken by the "Tateshina Conference" and the TMF’s long-term vision for sustainable mobility, please visit the official TMF website, which outlines a commitment to addressing worldwide mobility challenges through innovative projects. TMF was established in August 2014 to pursue public interest activities aiming at fostering a richer society through mobility.