dear oh dear how very sad.
Here in Kyoto there doesn't appear to be any bike lanes on roads but there are many designated lanes on the footpath areas. If you ride on the road the drivers seem a little more understanding / friendly to what I was use to in Australia (on the Gold Coast in particular). If you are on a footpath with no bike lane here you just ring your bell as you approach so you don't startle anyone as you ride past. The use of a bell here isn't concidered "offensive".
Steve.