3rd Survey on Truck Drivers: 'What do truck drivers think of bicycles on the road?' [One month after the introduction of the 'Blue Ticket' traffic violation system for bicycles]

Azoop Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Kison Pak) conducted a survey of truck drivers nationwide regarding 'bicycles on the road' (Valid responses: 142). This survey was conducted to investigate the real thoughts of truck drivers following the introduction of the 'Traffic Violation Notification System (Blue Ticket)' for bicycle traffic violations on April 1, 2026. Topic 1: About 60% are concerned about the 'increase in bicycles on the road' during peak travel periods like Golden Week and New Year's. When asked what they are particularly worried about during periods with high human movement, 'increase in bicycles on the road' topped the list at 58.5%. This indicates that concerns about bicycles entering the road due to the introduction of the blue ticket system have been spreading among truck drivers since immediately after the enforcement. Topic 2: The #1 dangerous bicycle behavior is 'sudden darting out/crossing' at 67%. When asked about bicycle behaviors they feel are dangerous (up to top 3), 'sudden darting out/crossing' ranked first at 66.9%. 'Ignoring traffic signals' and 'suddenly moving from sidewalk to road' tied for second at 63.4%, followed by 'using smartphones/earphones while riding' at 62.0%. Violations subject to the blue ticket system, such as ignoring signals and smartphone use, were ranked high, showing that the system and the field's sense of danger are aligned. Topic 3: 'Sudden darting out/cutting in' is also the #1 behavior they 'want them to stop the most' at 37%. When asked to choose one behavior they 'want them to stop the most' on the road (regardless of whether it's a bicycle or a general vehicle), 'sudden darting out/cutting in' ranked first at 37.3%. This result matches the top of the dangerous behavior ranking (Topic 2), confirming once again that 'darting out/cutting in' is a dangerous behavior that truck drivers want to see stopped. Topic 4: Times with the most near-misses with bicycles are 'evening' (76%) and 'morning commute' (73%). Regarding times when near-misses with bicycles are likely to occur, 'evening (17:00-19:00)' topped the list at 76.1%, followed by 'morning commute (7:00-9:00)' at 73.2%. Danger is concentrated during rush hours. Topic 5: Places with the most near-misses with bicycles are 'near intersections' at 75%. When asked where near-misses with bicycles are likely to occur, 'near intersections' topped the list at 75.4%, followed by 'residential areas/narrow streets' at 62.0%. Single-lane roads and areas around schools/parks were also high at about 40%, indicating that danger on all daily roads is an issue. Topic 6: Real voices of truck drivers. When asked about the introduction of the 'Traffic Violation Notification System (Blue Ticket)' for bicycles, frank opinions regarding road infrastructure and the system were received. 'Sections where bicycle lanes were forcibly created within extremely narrow roads are full of danger. I hope the government will develop a road environment where pedestrians, bicycles, and cars can be safer.' 'Road maintenance is not sufficient, and I have nothing but distrust for the government for forcing legal measures in a state where safety cannot be guaranteed.' 'We have to keep 1.5 meters away when passing bicycles, but since trucks are large, we can't pass them in the first place, and I think traffic jams will get worse.' 'I don't think accidents will decrease unless the root cause is reformed, even if only penalties are set. Since it's a vehicle that can be ridden without a license, I feel there are many cases where people are riding dangerously without understanding traffic laws.' 'They say it's a rule violation, but I wonder if they knew the rules in the first place.' 'Please educate bicycle users on traffic rules! Isn't online education and licensing necessary?' 'The rule that children must ride on the road is dangerous; the width of sidewalks is different between urban and rural areas. I felt it was dangerous, especially in the city, unless the environment such as road maintenance was improved a little more.' 'I'm worried about when I will become a perpetrator.' 'Even if we are careful, it's easy for both sides to feel scared on narrow roads.' [Summary of survey results] This survey revealed that truck drivers are concerned and anxious about the bicycle blue ticket system implemented in April 2026. In particular, the fact that about 60% were concerned about the 'increase in bicycles on the road' shows the fear of bicycles entering the road due to the legal amendment. While 'sudden darting out/crossing' was the most common dangerous behavior, many free-form responses pointed out insufficient road maintenance and lack of education, revealing that infrastructure development and rule awareness are necessary.