Traffic regulations for bicycles have now been tightened in Japan as a revised Road Traffic Law took effect on Friday.

Police say they are educating people on the tougher regulations and will crack down on offenders.

So-called "distracted cycling" is now banned. Anyone who causes an accident or dangerous situation by using a mobile device while cycling faces up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen, or about 1,980 dollars.

Cyclists who talk into mobile devices or look at them while moving will be subject to a prison term of up to six months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen, or roughly 660 dollars. This applies even if the offense did not lead to a dangerous situation.

Cycling under the influence of alcohol now faces broader penalties. Cyclists had previously not been penalized unless they were impaired to a point that made them unlikely to be able to drive properly. Under the revised law, a penalizing threshold of 0.15 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath has been set. Offenders face up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen, or about 3,300 dollars.

Vehicles that feature both bicycle pedals and motorbike engines, or mopeds, are now classified as motorbikes, even if the rider uses it in pedal mode.

The National Police Agency says there have been over 49,000 accidents resulting in injury or death involving bicycles this year through September. "Distracted cycling" accounted for 126 of them.