Cycling safety in Spain

Cycling in Spain is a dream for many riders, offering stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and a cycling-friendly culture. However, ensuring your safety while cycling is paramount to enjoying your journey. Whether you’re riding through bustling cities, serene countryside, or challenging mountain passes, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to cycle safely in Spain.

Understand the Rules of the Road

Spain has specific traffic laws designed to protect cyclists. Familiarise yourself with these before setting out:

• Ride on the Right: Cyclists must ride on the right-hand side of the road. Be ready for vehicles to pass you on the left

• Obey Traffic Signals: Cyclists are required to adhere to all traffic lights and signs.

• Always yield right of way to pedestrians.

• Use of Bike Lanes: In urban areas, use designated bike lanes where available.

• Helmet Use: Helmets are mandatory on interurban roads. Adults are not legally required to wear them in cities, but we highly recommend wearing them at all times.

• Reflective Clothing: Wearing reflective gear is mandatory after dark; however, we highly recommend finishing your daily cycle route during daylight hours to ensure the greatest possible safety and enjoyment.

Cycling in groups

• Communicate with other riders: Let them know when there are bumps, rocks, cars, or other hazards on the road, and use the appropriate hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning.

• You may ride two abreast, but single-file is mandatory in traffic or on narrow roads. Always allow at least two bike lengths between you and the rider in front of you.

Cycling safely

• Maintain a safe distance between you and the edge of the road.

• Use both the rear and front brakes simultaneously—NEVER use the front brake alone.

• When going downhill, pump both the front and rear brakes simultaneously, and increase the distance between you and the rider ahead of you.

• Always maintain a speed that is comfortable for you.

• Use caution when crossing over railroad tracks, cattle crossings, gravel patches, slippery or sandy roads, descending steeply, or when encountering a situation that is potentially dangerous or uncomfortable for you.

• Always get off your bike and walk if you feel uncomfortable riding.

• Gear up and gear down appropriately to maintain a safe and comfortable riding speed.

• When admiring the view or taking a photo, always stop first and then look or snap

Above all, have fun and enjoy your ride!