How to ride a bicycle in Barcelona
Barcelona, the Catalan capital, a symbol of modernity, culture and gastronomy, is one of the Spanish cities most adapted to urban cyclists. With an ever-growing network of bike lanes and a series of regulations designed to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike. With its emblematic architecture, its Mediterranean climate and its streets full of life, Barcelona is a perfect city to explore by bicycle or electric bicycle. In this article, we will provide you with all the tips you need to cycle in Barcelona safely and in compliance with municipal regulations. Get on your bike and discover how to get around Barcelona in the best way!
Index
Why do we advise you to use the bike in Barcelona?
The bicycle and the electric bike are not only means of transport; They are powerful tools to improve your health and well-being, as well as to contribute to the care of the environment. Yes, with the electric bike you can also exercise (in case you had any doubts).
Here are some of the reasons why riding a bike is one of the best decisions you can make:
Here’s why we recommend you use a bicycle in Barcelona:
- Sustainable mobility: Barcelona has an excellent infrastructure for cyclists, with an urban network of well-signposted bike lanes and a network that is constantly expanding. Using the bicycle as a means of transport contributes significantly to reducing air pollution and reducing traffic congestion.
- Health and wellness: Cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. Cycling around Barcelona allows you to enjoy the city while burning calories, strengthening your heart and improving your overall health.
- Speed and efficiency: The bicycle is, in many cases, the fastest means of transport in the city. With the bike, you avoid traffic jams and don’t have to worry about finding parking.
- Exploring the city: Barcelona is a beautiful city full of charm and culture. Biking allows you to explore its streets, parks, and beaches in a unique and exciting way.
- Cost: Using the bicycle as a means of transport is much cheaper than using public transport or a private vehicle. You save on fuel, transportation fees, and parking costs.
www.ossby.com/en/bicycle-as-a-mode-of-transportation-advantages-and-disadvantages/
Regulations to know how to ride a bicycle in Barcelona
When cycling in Barcelona, it is essential to respect other road users and municipal regulations. Here are some points of the regulations and tips for driving safely:
- Bicycles and electric bicycles must circulate on the roads, bike lanes, in 30 zones or on specially enabled roads. When there are none of these roads, they may exceptionally circulate on pavements of 5 metres or more, and with 3 metres of free space. We will talk in detail about the exceptional cases in which you can ride a bike on the pavement in Barcelona later.
- When cycling on the road, preferably use the lanes closest to the pavements. You can occupy the central part, both to avoid possible incidents with drivers opening their doors, and to increase your visibility on the road.
- Motor vehicles must overtake a cyclist occupying the other adjacent traffic lane in the same direction of travel and respect a minimum lateral safety distance of 1.5 metres.
- Indicate in advance the overtaking maneuvers or change of direction.
- Respect traffic lights, signage and pedestrian crossings. Remember that the bicycle is just another vehicle.
- You cannot ride in the bus lane if it is not expressly allowed and signposted.
On the other hand, motor vehicle drivers must also follow the rules of the road and respect cyclists:
- When overtaking a cyclist, it is important to occupy the adjacent traffic lane in the same direction of travel, leaving a minimum safety lateral distance of 1.5 meters.
- When riding behind a bicycle, a safety distance of at least 3 meters must be maintained. It is not possible to circulate, stop or park in cycle lanes, cycle paths and bicycle parking reserve areas.
- Manoeuvres that could endanger the cyclist should be avoided. It is forbidden to make harassment maneuvers such as turning on the lights or beeping, as they could pose a risk to the cyclist’s safety.
- As for traffic in which there is a bike lane, remember that bicycles have priority over motorized vehicles. In addition, on the roads, motorized vehicles must give way to bicycles when performing right and left turn maneuvers that cross the direction of travel of the cyclist. At some intersections you will find the red cycle path that indicates this right of way.
Circulation on the sidewalk or spaces shared with pedestrians
Don’t forget that pedestrians always have priority and are the most vulnerable users on the road. Therefore, when approaching areas with pedestrians, it is essential to exercise extreme caution while cycling.
In general, driving on the sidewalk is not allowed. However, when there is no enabled area (bike lane or bike lane zone 30), it is exceptionally possible to circulate on it if the following conditions are met:
- Sidewalks over 5 meters with 3 meters of clearance.
- Circulation at night (between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.) on sidewalks of more than 4.75 meters and 3 meters of free space.
- Children under 12 years of age and companions.
Single-platform pedestrian zones
Bicycles can be circulated in both directions of travel on pedestrian streets, as well as on residential streets with a speed limit of 20 km/h or those with a single platform, unless there is specific signage prohibiting it.
Drive safely
Mandatory elements: lights, reflectors and bell
Yes, that’s right. Carrying a bell to cycle around Barcelona is mandatory, as it allows you to warn of your presence and avoid possible accidents. Not wearing this item could cause a fine of up to 80 euros. Looking for a minimalist bell to give your bike a voice? Visit our online store 🙂
At night or in low-visibility situations, it is mandatory to wear a white front light, and a red rear light along with a red reflector. The equation is easy, the easier it is to see you, the less likely you are to suffer a rear-end accident or collision. For this reason, we also advise you to wear some other element with light such as a helmet, or an approved reflective vest.
Use of a helmet, is it mandatory to wear a helmet to ride a bicycle in Barcelona?
To ride a bike in the city it is only mandatory to wear an approved helmet for children under 16 years of age. For the rest of the population, in urban sections it is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended and advisable for greater safety. Yes, it is mandatory for all users for interurban sections.
Child seats, trailers and freight transport
Bicycles can have an approved trailer for the transport of people, animals or goods, provided that the driver is of legal age and under their responsibility.
You can transport a child up to 7 years old with an additional seat or trailers, attached to the bicycles, duly certified and approved, with the weight limitations that these devices stipulate. Minors transported must wear an approved helmet.
Things You Should NOT Do When Cycling
- Driving subject to other moving vehicles.
- Driving with the vehicle supported by a single wheel.
- Release the handlebars with both hands.
- Zigzag between moving vehicles.
- Loading the bicycle with objects that make maneuvering difficult or reduce vision.
- Ride with headphones.
- Ride a bike if you have drunk alcohol.
Cycling on Public Transport
In this section we want to highlight and make it clear that electric bicycles are not prohibited on public transport. It is a measure that only affects electric scooters and unicycles. You have all the information here:
On the subway
On the Barcelona metro, bicycles are allowed at the following times:
- Weekdays: From 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:30 p.m. until the end of the service.
- Working days during the months of July and August: throughout the entire service hours.
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: during all service hours.
Remember to use the designated spaces for bicycles. Look at the sign indicating where the bikes should go while you wait for the subway. If you see that you can annoy other users, it’s better to wait for the next one.
Folding bikes and folding e-bikes can be carried properly folded without any of the restrictions mentioned above, as long as they do not cause inconvenience to the rest of the users. If folding bicycles are the best thing to go around the city. Versatility, lightness and efficiency, especially if it is a Ossby GEO.
On the bus
On buses in Barcelona, you are allowed to travel with a folding bike, as long as it is folded.
Remember that taking your folding bike is the perfect bike version for multimodality.
On the train
- Rodalies de Catalunya:
Bicycles are allowed to be transported on all lines and without time limitations, as long as occupancy allows it. The person carrying a bicycle must maintain the necessary attention at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers. Exceptionally, Renfe staff may not authorise their access to trains if there is a high occupancy of passengers.
Folding bicycles are considered hand luggage, so they can be carried folded as long as they do not cause inconvenience to other passengers or damage to railway equipment.
- Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC):
The transport of bicycles is allowed without limitations, provided that the occupancy of the trains does not modify this condition. There are areas specially set up on trains for bicycles.
On the tram
Bicycles can be taken on the tram as long as the capacity at that time allows it. It is advisable to avoid peak hours to avoid inconveniences. In addition, there are spaces reserved for the placement of bicycles inside the trams.
More tips
Basic maintenance of your bike to ride safely
Like any vehicle, it is necessary to carry out basic maintenance of the bicycle periodically to ride safely. We recommend:
- Check the tire pressure.
- Check the steering setting.
- Check the brakes, applying them and trying to move the bike back and forth. It should not move or have friction. Make sure the pills don’t touch the cover.
- Check the wheel bearings, bottom bracket and pedals to make sure they don’t have any play.
- Make sure that the cranks are securely fastened on the bottom bracket.
- Check the screws (seat, luggage rack, bottle cage, stem, handlebars, …).
- Check the quick releases (wheels and seat post).
- Make sure the chain is well lubricated and properly tensioned.
Carrying out these simple checks regularly will guarantee a safe and pleasant experience when riding your bike.
Slopes with a bicycle in Barcelona
80% of Barcelona’s urban street network has a gradient of less than 2%, which makes it possible to travel even with a bicycle without gears. As you can see, it is very easy to cycle around Barcelona. However, if you have no choice but to take a steep route, we recommend the following:
- Check maps and try to find the route with the least slope, even if the route is longer.
- The climbs are less noticeable if there is little traffic; You can take the pace of ascent you want at your leisure.
It is recommended that the bicycle has a good gear shift and several speeds. If you get too tired, you can choose to get off the bike and walk for a while to regain strength, or consider the option of a Electric Bike that will help you on those more difficult slopes. Electric assistance will be of great help and It will prevent you from arriving sweating or out of breath at your destination.
Beware of rain or wind
When cycling in Barcelona, it is essential to be prepared to face rain or wind. On rainy days, be sure to wear waterproof clothing and carry a cover with you to protect your backpack or bag. Maintain a moderate speed and pay attention to slippery surfaces, especially when cornering and braking. Also, on windy days, keep a firm grip on the handlebars and keep an eye out for gusts of wind, especially when passing through open areas or next to large vehicles. Adjust your speed and be aware that gusts of wind can destabilize you.
Some important points:
- Remember that in the rain it is more difficult to maneuver with the bicycle, since the streets are slippery and it is easier to fall.
- Important: wet brakes have a longer braking time. One way to dry them is to brake several times in a row.
- Make sure that your bike has a mudguard installed; you will avoid getting your clothes dirty.
- Think of a folding bike or folding ebike, you can get on the metro, bus or any other public transport as soon as the first drops fall and thus avoid getting wet.
Always remember that your safety is the most important thing, so adapt your driving to the weather conditions to enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride around the city!
As above, we leave you with these blog posts that will help you launch into urban and sustainable mobility by bicycle:
What is the best bike to use in Barcelona?
Choosing the best type of bike to go on in Barcelona will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and the type of tours you plan to do. We recommend the following types of bicycles:
- Folding Bike: Folding bikes are very practical in a city like Barcelona. They are the queens of urban mobility and multimodality. Their ease of transport and storage makes them an excellent option for combining cycling with public transport. You can take it with you on the metro, bus or train. In addition, they are ideal if you have little space at home. A folding bike is even better if it’s electric. It maintains all the features and adds pedaling assistance for those areas with a slope or simply to avoid arriving sweaty or sweaty to work or to your destination. If you want an electric folding bike with a super fast fold, light and stylish, your bike is the Ossby GEO.
- Bicicleta urbana o City Bike: City bikes are an excellent option for getting around the city. They are comfortable, reliable and designed for short journeys at moderate speeds. They are ideal for driving around the streets of Barcelona and have features such as mudguards, luggage racks and lights, making them perfect for getting around the city at any time of the day. Unlike folding ones, they take up more space and are more difficult to combine with other means of transport.
Where do I leave my bike in the capital of Catalonia? Bicycle parking
When you park your bike, it’s important to do so in designated places, such as anchors or underground parking lots.
“In Barcelona, an average of two bikes are stolen every day” That is why it is very important that you leave your bicycle well locked/tied and in an area with a lot of affluence. Another alternative, and one of the best, are the Folding Bikes, being compact and easy to carry you can go anywhere with them. You can enter the supermarket, stores, or leave it inside the office, without the risk of it being exposed to theft.
Please note that it is forbidden to:
- Tie them to trees, traffic lights, benches, containers, litter bins, transport canopies and, in general, to urban furniture that is affected by its usual functionality or destination.
- Leave them in front of areas reserved for loading and unloading, pedestrian crossings, elements attached to facades or in front of parking lots reserved for people with reduced mobility or Bicing stations.
- Park them in prohibited parking areas reserved for public places, emergency exits and buildings where the guarantee of collective safety recommends it, as well as in hospitals, clinics and outpatient clinics, to facilitate access for the sick.
- On pavements, when pedestrians are impeded.
Barcelona is an ideal city for cycling, thanks to its well-developed cycling infrastructure and regulations that protect cyclists. By following these tips and respecting the traffic rules, you will be able to enjoy the experience of moving around Barcelona by bike to the fullest. Always remember safety and respect for other road users, and pedal it has been said!
