Achieving Zero Traffic Fatalities in Japan

VOL Bicycle Plus One Co., Ltd. endorses April Dream, a project to make April 1st a day to announce dreams. This press release is the dream of VOL Bicycle Plus One Co., Ltd. ## **Current State of Traffic Accidents in Japan** In Reiwa 7 (2025), there were 2,495 traffic fatalities and 2,547 deaths (Source: "Status of Traffic Fatalities and Road Traffic Law Enforcement in Reiwa 7" by the National Police Agency Traffic Bureau, February Reiwa 8). Over 330,000 people were injured, with many suffering due to traffic accidents. Furthermore, in over 90% of traffic fatalities, vehicles (including motorcycles and general mopeds, hereinafter referred to as "vehicles, etc." *(Note 1)) were the primary party *(Note 2). ## **Realizing "Zero Traffic Fatalities" through the Promotion of Safe Bicycles** Since its establishment, VOL Bicycle Plus One has focused on the convenience, economic benefits, health promotion effects, enjoyment, tourism promotion effects, and environmental impact reduction effects of bicycles. We have been working to promote bicycles under the slogan of "regional revitalization through bicycles." The promotion of safe bicycles not only plays a role in alleviating traffic congestion and smoothing traffic flow but also leads to a reduction in serious traffic accidents such as fatalities. In cooperation with initiatives in other fields, such as the development of safety devices for vehicles and the spread of autonomous driving to reduce traffic accidents, VOL Bicycle Plus One will realize a society with zero traffic fatalities through the promotion of safe bicycles. To promote bicycles, VOL Bicycle Plus One conducts the following businesses: **① Regional Planning Consulting** Bicycle utilization promotion plans, bicycle network plans, location optimization plans **② Cycle Tourism and Tourism Promotion Consulting** Creation of cycling routes, creation of cycling maps, formulation of bicycle-based tourism promotion plans, discovery of regional resources, creation of tours **③ Traffic Safety and Bicycle Classes** Holding bicycle classes, Danish-style bicycle games, traffic accident analysis and countermeasure planning **④ Provision of Bicycle-Related Services** Bicycle rental, cycling tours, cycling event organization and operation, cycling hub facility and community operation ## **Roadmap for Achieving Zero Traffic Fatalities** Achieving zero traffic fatalities is expected to be quite difficult to realize immediately, so we aim to achieve it in stages. As mentioned above, bicycles are expected to have various positive effects in addition to reducing fatal and serious accidents. Therefore, by collaborating with regions actively promoting safe bicycle use, including these positive effects, we will realize a city (municipality) with zero traffic accidents. Based on such success stories, we will expand similar initiatives nationwide to achieve zero traffic fatalities in Japan. Since there are challenges that cannot be addressed by bicycles alone, we aim to address them through engagement with other fields.