On a road where the sidewalk is separated from the roadway, pedestrians may choose freely between walking on the sidewalk or on the roadway.

歩道等と車道の区別がある道路では、歩行者は歩道と車道のどちらを通ってもよい。

This statement is FALSE

Explanation

Article 10(2) requires pedestrians to use the sidewalk where one is separated from the roadway. The only exceptions are crossing the roadway, and cases where the sidewalk cannot be used (e.g. road works) or is otherwise unavoidable. It is not a free choice.

Original text

歩行者等は、歩道等と車道の区別のある道路においては、次の各号に掲げる場合を除き、歩道等を通行しなければならない。　一　車道を横断するとき。

Source: Road Traffic Act — 道路交通法第十条（通行区分） · Act No.105 of 1960

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Stopping Distance in Japan: Reaction Distance + Braking Distance
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On a road where the sidewalk is separated from the roadway, pedestrians may choose freely between walking on the sidewalk or on the roadway.

Explanation

Original text

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