Japan has backtracked on its push towards self-driving vehicles after one hit a parked bicycle. 

The country approved a pilot project last year, which allowed autonomous vehicles to drive on specific public roads. As part of this project, a service of driverless bus-like vehicles – similar to electric golf carts – began operating in Eiheiji in the Fukui prefecture in May.

However, on Sunday one of these vehicles hit a bicycle that was parked on a roadside, said local official Norifumi Hiramoto. Although none of the vehicle’s four passengers were injured, officials decided to put the project on pause until its safety could be reassessed. 

“We are suspending the operation until the cause of the incident becomes clear,” Hiramoto said.

The vehicles drive at a maximum speed of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) per hour and are equipped with sensors and radars designed to help them avoid obstacles.

The suspension comes just days after California’s Department of Motor...