{
  "id": 19268030,
  "title": "Students help develop helmet to encourage more cyclists to wear one",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/students-help-develop-helmet-to-encourage-more-cyclists-to-wear-one",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-10T02:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/11/10/japan/crime-legal/cyclists-helmet-university-mpd/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, helmet use has increased significantly since a revised road traffic law was implemented three and a half years ago, encouraging cyclists to wear helmets. Despite this progress, only one in four cyclists now don protective gear. To boost helmet adoption, particularly among younger riders, the Metropolitan Police Department has partnered with university students to design a new helmet. This helmet hit store shelves in August. Prior to the law amendment in April 2023, helmet use was only recommended for children under 13, with parents and guardians responsible for ensuring compliance. Now, all cyclists are expected to wear helmets, though there are no legal repercussions for non-compliance.",
  "summary": "The nationwide helmet-wearing rate stood at just 24.4%, according to a National Police Agency survey released in September.",
  "key_points": [
    "Helmet use increased in Japan after 2023 law amendment",
    "University students collaborated with police on new helmet design",
    "New helmet launched in August, targeting younger cyclists"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}