Spain’s new Highway Code comes into effect today, October 1st, bringing significant changes regarding cycling. Before discussing the practical details, there is a major shift in mindset: the focus is moving from roads and vehicles to people and the urban environment. Consequently, the concept of “vulnerable road users” is being introduced for the first time, with the new regulations aiming to enhance the protection of these individuals. Vulnerable road users are people who, due to their mode of transport or age group, face a higher risk of injury in the event of a traffic accident. This category includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and users of personal mobility devices.
Key changes regarding bicycles include the following: when overtaking on intercity roads, drivers will be required to reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h below the road’s posted speed limit. They are already required to maintain a lateral clearance of at least 1.5 meters. Furthermore, on roads with at least two lanes per direction, it will be mandatory to fully occupy the adjacent lane when overtaking a cyclist.
In urban areas, the regulation stipulates that cyclists should preferably ride in the centre of the lane—a position that enhances visibility and discourages dangerous overtaking manoeuvrers. Drivers of motor vehicles must maintain a distance of at least five metres from a cyclist riding ahead of them in the same lane.
Additionally, municipalities are authorised to permit, via special signage, two-way bicycle traffic on one-way streets with a speed limit of 30 km/h or lower. This is known as the “one-way except for bicycles” system. A brief aside to remind you that Greece is full of one-way streets; just imagine how many more bicycle-friendly routes we could have, if that regulation applied here.
Returning to Spain, there is also mention of helmets – one of our favorite topics. Fortunately, the regulations are sensible: all cyclists will be required to wear a helmet when riding on roads outside urban areas, while professional cyclists, such as delivery riders, will be required to wear both a helmet and a high-visibility vest. Within cities, helmet use remains optional for non-professionals.
Among the other regulations in the new Spanish Highway Code, we would like to highlight one that we particularly welcome: the introduction of new measures to make children’s journeys to school on foot, by public transport, or using non-motorized modes of travel, safer and easier. The amendment allows relevant authorities to designate safe routes and protected zones around schools, implementing measures such as lower speed limits, traffic-calming interventions, and restrictions on cars, motorcycles, and mopeds.
We will closely monitor the implementation of these changes, to learn from the Spanish experience, and advocate for the adoption of similar regulations in Greece.