The Sound of Silence: Why We Don't Ring Bike Bells in Tokyo

Seeing Tokyo from the SaddleTokyo is full of unspoken rules. One of the most surprising ones appears when you ride a bicycle. I want to share a story about a sound. Or more precisely, the absence of one.

A Street Without a "Ding-Ding"

Imagine this.

You're cycling through a narrow backstreet in Tokyo. It's quiet, almost residential. No neon signs, no crowds - just sunlight, houses, and the hum of daily life.

Then it happens.

A pedestrian is walking right in front of you, completely blocking your path.

What's your instinct?

In many countries, the answer is obvious. You reach for the bell.

Ring-ring. A polite warning. A safety measure. No hard feelings.

But in Tokyo, that simple action is actually a mistake.

One of the first things I tell guests before we even start pedaling is this:

"Please don't ring the bell at all."

That usually gets a surprised look.

"Really? Even if someone is in the way?"

Especially then.

It's Not Broken. It's Cultural.

Tokyo is one of the busiest cities in the world, yet if you listen closely, you'll notice something unusual: streets are remarkably free of bicycle bells.This often leads visitors to wonder:

1. Why aren't people warning each other?
2. Is everyone's bell broken?

The answer is neither.

1. The Legal Reason

Under Japanese road law, a bicycle bell is considered a warning device, just like a car horn. That means you're only allowed to use it in situations where there's immediate danger.

Using the bell simply to clear pedestrians out of your way can technically be a violation.

In other words, the bell isn't there for convenience - it's there for emergencies.

2. The Cultural Reason

Japanese society places a strong value on quietness.

We avoid loud conversations on trains. Car horns are rarely used. Public spaces are shared with an unspoken understanding of restraint.

In that context, ringing a bicycle bell doesn't sound polite - it sounds aggressive.

To many people here, ringing the bell at a pedestrian feels less like a warning and more like an invitation to conflict.

Round one. Fight.

So What Do We Do Instead?

Interestingly, having a bell on your bike is mandatory in Japan. Almost every bicycle has one. It just… doesn't get used. Instead, I encourage riders to do something much simpler - and much more human:

1. Smile
2. Say "Hello"
3. Say "Excuse me"
4. Say "Thank you"

These small choices change everything. The street atmosphere softens. The interaction feels mutual rather than confrontational. You're no longer a piece of moving traffic - you become part of the neighborhood.

What This Says About Tokyo

This quiet, unspoken rule says a lot about the city. Tokyo isn't just about efficiency or order. It's about coexistence in close proximity. About adjusting yourself slightly so that everyone else can exist comfortably. When you stop ringing the bell, you're not just following a rule. You're adopting a mindset. And that, I believe, is one of the most authentic ways to experience Tokyo.