Nishi-Seto Expressway connecting Onomichi and Imabari (nicknamed: Setouchi Shimanami Expressway) is a 60 km long motorway, while the bridge portion has a bicycle and pedestrian way that can also be used by motorized two-wheel vehicles.
This enables pedestrians, bicycles, and motorized two-wheel vehicles(motorized bicycles that are 125 cc and under) to cross the bridge.
This makes it possible for people to commute to work or school as well as enjoy sightseeing on a bicycle on the bridge. It is also possible to cross the bridge from Onomichi to Imabari on foot.
The bicycle and pedestrian way is a great way to discover new charms of the Setouchi Shimanami Expressway bridge in person.

<Accessing the bicycle and pedestrian way>

The bicycle and pedestrian way entrance to the bridge from general streets is different than that of the motorway entrance (interchange) to the Nishi-Seto Expressway. Please be cautious not to enter the motorway by mistake.

*Click here for information on cycling on the Shimanami Expressway

<Please follow traffic rules and manners>

• - Bicycles are considered vehicles. Please keep to the left of the road in single file.
• - Speeding is dangerous!
• - Be sure to stop and check your surroundings in places with limited visibility.
• - In bridge sections where motorized two-wheel vehicles and ordinary bicycles use the same space (Innoshima Bridge, Ohmishima Bridge, Hakata-Ohshima (Ōshima) Bridge), keep to the left of the road in single file and observe the legal speed limit.
• - In bridge sections where bicycles and pedestrians share the same space (Ikuchi Bridge, Tatara Bridge, Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge), pedestrians have the right of way.
• - All pedestrians must be cautious of bicycles on the bridge.
• - Use caution as strong wind can be expected in strait areas.
• *Refer to the Ehime Prefectural Police Department's website for more information on traffic rules and manner for bicycles.
• *Shin-Onomichi Bridge does not have a bicycle and pedestrian way. The footway on Onomichi Bridge that runs parallel to the Shin-Onomichi Bridge is narrow and dangerous. Bicycles and pedestrians should use the ferry instead.

<Use of Tandem Bicycles>

Starting October 1, 2010, the bicycle and pedestrian way on Setouchi Shimanami Expressway is open to tandem bicycles. Please note the following when traveling on the bridge.

Tandem bicycles

<Use of electric kickboards>

The new rules* for the specified small motorized bicycles (electric kickboards) will be appiled starting July 1,2023.
Please note the following when traveling on the bridge.

*For more details, please refer to National Police Agency of Japan website

specified small motorized bicycles (electric kickboards)

• light vehicles, etc. (bicycles, electric kickboards, motor-bikes whose engine displacement are 125cc or less etc...)
• (Unit: yen)

• *Bridge toll for bicycles is free until March 31, 2026.
• *Access is free to pedestrians.

Motorbike tickets as well as value book of tickets are available.

• Motorbike Tickets

  - Ticket sales offices

  • Senkoji Temple Ropeway Entrance
  • Onomichi Station Tourist Information Office (within JR Onomichi Station)
  • Setoda Tourist Information Center
  • Sunrise Itoyama
  • Nishi-Seto Expressway toll gates

  - Ticket price

  500 yen (10 pack of 50 yen tickets)
  500 yen when using from Innoshima Bridge to Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridges. These tickets can be used for any section, so you don't have to carry loose change with you.

  - Types of vehicles

  Motorized bicycles, light vehicles

  - Applicable period

  From the date of sale to the day of expiration of toll charge collection

  - Notice

  2 tickets required for 100 yen sections and 4 tickets required for 200 yen sections.

• Book of toll tickets.

  - Ticket sales offices

  Nishi-Seto Expressway toll gates

  - Ticket price

  Per the schedule below

• Note: Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridges require 2 tickets for 100 yen sections.

- Applicable period

From the date of sale to the day of expiration of toll charge collection

- Notice

Cannot be used for traveling beyond these sections or by vehicle classifications noted on the ticket.

The following site provides various information so that more people can enjoy cycling along the Shimanami Expressway.

• - Shimanami Kaido Cycling
• - General Corporation Shimanami Japan
• - Imabari Regional Tourism Association