Japan to allow bike riding with 2 kids

TOKYO, April 9 (UPI) -- Tough economic times coupled with better safety features mean the ban on Japanese parents bicycling with two children could soon be lifted, police say.

The National Police Agency released a set of safety standards Thursday, clearing the way for people to ride bicycles with two children, Kyodo reported. Bicycle makers are working a prototype incorporating the enhanced safety features. If the changes meet the new standards, the ban will be lifted possibly in July, the Japanese news service said.

The report noted the importance of two-wheeled transportation for parents with two or more children. It also noted the ban hasn't been routinely enforced.

The report also noted that the use of bicycles by parents with two children or more is all the more important for their economic benefits during the recession. Another factor, it said, is the need to support child rearing and stem the trend of falling birthrates.

The key safety improvement is that bicycles need to be structurally strong enough to carry two children -- one on the front seat and the other on the rear seat -- and the rider, the report said.

Bicycles also must have adequate brakes and be free from serious vibrations that may affect the steering.