JAPAN BIZ: Items helping bike riders clear tougher violations prove popular

TOKYO - Following the April launch of tougher penalties for cycling violations, such as holding a smartphone or umbrella and using it while riding, businesses have marketed various goods to help bicycle riders comply with the new regulations.

Now that there are fines for riding a bicycle while holding an umbrella, retailers have seen increased sales of rain gear. Meanwhile, headphones that allow riders to hear their surroundings have also become popular because they are permitted under the new rules.