[Event Report] The Day Before the Introduction of 'Blue Tickets' for Bicycles! Yosuke Kubozuka Discusses Japanese Bicycle Manners and the Future. Danish e-BIKE Brand 'MATE.BIKE' Holds Press Conference on 'Learning Traffic Safety from Denmark'.

MATE. BIKE JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), which develops the Danish e-BIKE brand 'MATE.BIKE', held the 'MATE.BIKE Press Conference: Learning Traffic Safety from Denmark' on March 31st (Tuesday), in anticipation of the 'Traffic Violation Notification System (Blue Ticket)' for bicycles, which will be enforced from April 1st, 2026 (Wednesday).

■ Background of the Event: Updating Bicycle Safety Awareness Triggered by the April 1st 'Blue Ticket' Introduction

In recent years, while the convenience of bicycles has been re-evaluated in Japan, the prevention of traffic accidents has become an urgent issue. Ahead of the major turning point of the 'Blue Ticket' introduction starting tomorrow, April 1st, MATE.BIKE, an e-BIKE brand from Denmark, planned this event to promote improved manners and a safe cycling life by sharing Danish-style safety awareness with Japan.

■ Brand Ambassador Yosuke Kubozuka Appears, Shares His Cycling Life

Actor Yosuke Kubozuka, who serves as the MATE.BIKE brand ambassador, was a guest speaker. Kubozuka, a regular user of MATE.BIKE, recalled his encounter with the brand: 'I first encountered it about 5-6 years ago when a friend from Copenhagen brought one over. At first, I was surprised by the tire width, but I found it to be a very enjoyable bicycle to ride with its assist power. It's not just a means of transportation; it's stylish and makes the journey itself fun.'

Regarding his personal cycling life, he shared his favorite way to spend time: 'I ride with my daughter and wife when we go out for meals. This time of year, the cherry blossoms are beautiful, so I'd like to go cherry blossom viewing too.' He also revealed how it's become a part of his lifestyle, even customizing his bicycle with a gold chain.

Furthermore, in relation to the 'Blue Ticket' introduction, he participated in a quiz about bicycle traffic rules. He commented, 'I hope the upcoming revision will serve as a good opportunity to raise traffic safety awareness among more people,' sharing his thoughts on the new system.

■ Kubozuka x Danish Embassy x MATE.BIKE Talk Session: Kubozuka Says, 'It's Important to Gradually Raise Awareness, Taking This Legal Revision as an Opportunity'

Additionally, Kazushi Okazaki, Senior Commercial Officer from the Danish Embassy, joined for a talk session comparing daily traffic awareness. Based on the results of a prior survey on bicycle manners, they deepened their discussion on the status of bicycle lane development and differences in literacy among citizens.

From the Danish perspective, explanations were given on traffic education from childhood and the importance of bicycle paths as infrastructure. Mr. Okazaki shared, 'In Denmark, bicycle ownership is about 5 times that of cars, accounting for about 15% of all modes of transportation,' explaining why Denmark is considered a leading cycling nation.

Yosuke Kubozuka, who has visited Denmark, reflected on his experience: 'The Danish people seemed very happy, and I felt that their sense of security in life was supported by national policies. Within such a foundation, cultures like cycling and environmentalism have taken root. When I visited, many bicycles were running through the city, the environment was well-maintained, and everyone followed the rules, making it very comfortable to ride.'

Furthermore, Kaneda from MATE.BIKE's Marketing Department commented on how to approach the new system: 'We need to foster a culture of mutual respect as responsible 'members of the vehicle'.' In response, Yosuke Kubozuka added, 'I believe it's important to take this legal revision as an opportunity for a better society and to gradually raise awareness, even if immediate change is difficult. In the future, I hope for further development of dedicated cycling infrastructure like in Denmark, leading to more comfortable and enjoyable mobility.'

■ About the Special Website

In conjunction with the April legal revision, MATE.BIKE JAPAN will launch a special website, 'SAFER MOVES FOR ALL,' regarding the '5 Basic Rules That Bicycles Must Observe.' This site clearly organizes dangerous behaviors and violations during bicycle riding. The site also introduces 'MATE GO+,' which is gaining attention as next-generation mobility. This innovative model has obtained type certification from the National Public Safety Commission and won the Good Design Award in 2025. It combines stylish design with genderless functionality that allows anyone to ride comfortably, offering a new mobility experience that makes daily travel more free and enjoyable.

Special Website URL: https://mate-bike.jp/pages/safe-secure

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