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Cycling Laws in Spain

v-20 2 Nerja Bike Rental Bike Rental Torre del Mar Cycling Laws in Spain

 

UPDATE February 2021
New laws to protect cyclist on Spanish roads (February 2021) Spain is planning to introduce a new law to make drivers slow down when overtaking cyclists

The measure would supplement existing legislation that requires motorists to allow a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when passing someone on a bike.  Current laws also allow drivers to cross a solid white line in the middle of the road to overtake cyclists at a safe distance, provided no vehicles are approaching from the other direction and visibility is good. The new amendment to Spain’s traffic regulations means that drivers must also slow down to below 20km the speed limit  to make a pass &  suggests that drivers should give cyclists at 1.5 metre space if driving under 30 mph and more than two metres if going above that speed. as reported by motoring website Diario Motor.

The proposed new rule is part of a sweeping reform of the country’s traffic laws as the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) aims to improve safety of vulnerable road users – deaths of whom in 2019 exceeded those of motor vehicle occupants for the first time in Spain’s history. Punishments for breaching the new rules have not yet been confirmed, but could include points deducted from your licence or fines. It is not yet clear when the new rules will come into force.

The changes are being pushed by the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic), with the aim of helping to improve the safety of vulnerable road users in a country that is increasingly choosing to travel on two wheels.

This list is for guidance only.
If you intend to hire a bike in Malaga, planning a cycling holiday in Nerja or touring the inland villages of Andalucia, it is worth knowing a few of the local cycling laws.

1. Cyclists may ride 2 abreast as long as they stay as far to the right of the road as possible, except on stretches with poor visibility or when traffic is dense. Cars, for their part, must observe a side distance of 1.5m when overtaking cyclists.

2. Bicycles are vehicles and cyclists are expected to respect the traffic rules just like drivers do.

3. Stopping at traffic lights: (see above)
If you jump the lights or fail to stop you could be subject to the same fine as other vehicles on the road.

4. Lights: All bikes must have front and rear lights when going through a tunnel or when cycling through poorly lit areas. The same applies in poor light i.e early morning or late evening

5. Helmets: On the majority of roads you are required to wear a helmet. Only on non-urban roads you are not required to do so. If you are under the age of 16 you are required by law always to wear a helmet.

6. Cyclists should always carry photo ID

Over the last few years I have only ever seen cyclists fined for cycling through a tunnel (in between Cerro Gordo and La Herradurra) without lights.
From memory the fine was 80 Euros and this was reduced to 40 Euros if paid within 30 days.

Here is a list of offences that you may receive a fine for:
Skipping a traffic light
Not stopping at a stop:
Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol:
Riding no hands on the handlebars:
Riding without helmets
No Lights
Riding on pavement
Riding while listening to music through headphones or ear buds
No ID
Using a phone whilst cycling
If using a bike trailer attached to your car the number plate and indicators must be visible and a red and white load sign must be used (SEÑAL V-20 see 1st photo)

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