Mobility and transport

Bicycles must use cycle lanes, 30 kph zones or routes specifically indicated for this purpose with signage. When there are none of these, you may cycle on the road, or on pavements which are 5 metres wide or over, as long as there is 3 m of free space.

When you share the road with other vehicles, try to use the lanes nearest the pavement. You can cycle in the middle of the lane. Give sufficient warning before overtaking or changing direction. Obey traffic lights and signs, and respect zebra crossings. Remember, bicycles are just another type of vehicle.

You cannot cycle in bus lanes if this is not explicitly allowed and signposted.

Just as cyclists must respect the highway code with regard to other users, motorists must respect cyclists on the road. Therefore, motor vehicles:

• Must occupy the adjacent lane in the same direction when overtaking a cyclist, and keep a minimum, lateral safety distance of 1.5 m.
• They must keep a safe distance of at least 3 m when driving behind a cyclist.
• They cannot drive, park or stop in cycle lanes, on roads for cyclists or in bicycle parking areas.
• They must not carry out manoeuvres that could put cyclists at risk.
• They must not carry out any harassing manoeuvres, such as not keeping a safe distance, flashing lights or sounding the horn, which constitute an attempt to enter the lane, put cyclists at risk or make cyclists alter their trajectory.
• In bicycle lanes cyclists have right of way over motor vehicles, even when motor vehicles attempt a right or left turn that would block the cyclist's path. The red surfaces at some junctions indicate this right of way.

It is very important to remember that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Therefore, when there are pedestrians nearby, cyclists should exercise caution.

In general, cycling is not allowed on the pavement. But you can do so when there is no area set aside for cyclists (cycle lane or 30 kph bicycle street) and the following conditions are met:

• The pavements are more than 5 m  with 3 m of free space.
• At night (between 10 pm and 7 am) on pavements that are over 4.75 m wide, with 3 m of free space.
• Children under 12 who are accompanied.

Bicycles can travel in either direction in pedestrian streets and residential streets with a speed limit of 20 kph, provided they have a single-level surface and there are no signs prohibiting cycling.

Cyclists may use an authorised trailer for transporting people, animals or goods, provided the cyclist is over 18. They do so under their own responsibility.

You can transport a child up to 7 years old on an extra seat or in a trailer coupled to your bicycle, provided it is duly certified and approved, and with the stipulated weight restrictions. These minors must wear an approved helmet.

• Ride a bike while holding on to other moving vehicles
• Cycle on only one wheel
• Let go of the handlebars with both hands
• Zigzag in moving traffic
• Load your bicycle with items that make manoeuvring difficult or restrict you vision
• Cycle with earphones or helmets connected to audio devices.

Have a bell on your bicycle so you can warn others of your presence. But don't overuse it. Remember a bell is for warning others of your presence, not for annoying pedestrians. It is important to remember that in pedestrian areas, pedestrians have right of way.

If you cycle at night, you must have a white headlight and a red rear light, as well as reflectors. These must all be standardised and easily visible to pedestrians and motorists.

Under 16s must wear a helmet. For the rest of the population, it is not compulsory but strongly recommended for safer cycling.

The register is used for providing the ownership details of owners to B:SM, to Barcelona City Council and to the Guàrdia Urbana, to prevent illegal trade, identify owners and recover stolen or lost vehicles. 

Identification and registration 

When personal-mobility vehicles, bicycles and cycles with more than two wheels are used for business activity purposes, it is mandatory for them to be identified and registered. Registration is advisable for vehicles with a particular use, as it will make it easier to recover them if they are lost, stolen or removed. 

More information and registration

• Bikes are allowed at the following times:
  • Working days between 5 am and 7 am, 9.30 am and 5 pm, and 8.30 pm till the service finishes.
  • Working days in July and August for the entire duration of the service.
  • Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
• You must use the designated areas for bikes. When the train arrives, look for the sign showing where bikes have to go. If you see you will cause problems for other users, wait for the next train.
• Folding bikes that are properly folded can be used without any of the above restrictions, provided they are not a nuisance to other users.

Bicycles are allowed on public transport, in some cases during specific time bands which vary according to the operators involved. However, as a general rule, the time restrictions are according to the particular circumstances of each train, numbers of people, etc.

For intermodal travel, bear in mind that a folding bike is really useful inside stations and other facilities, as well as minimising the risk of annoying other users.

And remember you can also combine various means of public transport with Bicing bikes.

Rodalies de Catalunya:

• Bikes may be transported on all lines, without restrictions, provided there is room. Any person taking a bike must keep an eye out at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers. RENFE staff may make an exception and not allow bikes on trains if they are crowded.
• Folding bikes are regarded as hand luggage, so they can always be carried folded up, as long as they do not cause a nuisance to other passengers or damage railway equipment.

FGC:

• No restrictions, unless the number of passengers dictates otherwise. All trains have specially designated areas for bikes.

Bikes can be taken on trams, provided the number of passengers at any given moment allows it. You should avoid rush hours. Trams have designated areas for bikes.

Remember that a bicycle is also a vehicle and, while it is not compulsory, it is highly recommended that you take out civil liability insurance. You can get more information from bicycle shops, clubs, associations and federations.

Basic maintenance is just as necessary for bicycles as any other vehicle, and we recommend that this is carried out periodically so you can cycle in complete safety. We advise you to:

• Check the tyre pressure.
• Check the steering.
• Check the brakes by applying them and trying to move forwards and backwards. The bike shouldn't wobble nor there any friction. Make sure the pads are not touching the wheel rims.
• There should be no play in the wheel bearings, chain set or the pedals.
• The crank arms must be securely fixed to the bottom bracket.
• Check the screws (seat, packet carrier, water bottle carrier, gears, handlebars, etc.)
• Check the quick-release systems (wheels and seat stem)
• Check the chain is well-oiled and is at the proper tension, etc.

80% of Barcelona streets have a gradient of less than 2%, which means you can even ride a bike without gears. But if there is no alternative to an uphill route, we recommend:

• If you need to use the route regularly, look at maps and try to find one which is not as steep, even if this makes the trip longer.
• If you go when there is less traffic, you will be able to climb at your own pace and be more relaxed.
• Get a bike with good gears.
• Get off your bike and walk for a bit if you get too tired. That way you can recover your strength while still heading in the right direction.

Remember that the public transport system can complement your mobility needs in areas that are farther away or more difficult to get to.

Check the Bicycles on public transport section.

Remember that the inconveniences of bad weather can be considerably reduced by using the right clothing and accessories.

• Cyclists are much less visible in the rain, so you should wear brightly-coloured clothing.
• In theory, a good waterproof jacket should be enough. But there are other items that could also prove very useful for protecting you from the rain, such as hoods (often included with the jacket), waterproof shoes or plastic covers for your shoes.
• Reflective bands that can be sewn onto clothing are also useful and make you more visible to others.
• Remember it is more difficult to manoeuvre you bicycle in the rain, because streets are slippery and it is easier to fall off.
• You must also remember that wet brakes require a longer braking time. One way of drying them is to brake several times in succession.
• Make sure your bike has a mudguard as it will prevent your clothes from getting muddy.

Rain is a nuisance but bear in mind that cycling is much more common in cities where the climate is a lot less favourable. You just need to be prepared and to ride carefully.

Here are different kinds of bikes, some are better than others for city cycling, with advantages and disadvantages. You can use any kind of bike you like, provided it has the minimum requirements and is convenient for getting you round the city. There are:

• Road bikes, which are very quick and light but have slim tyres that are not very safe in the city. However, you can still use one, as long as it is suitably equipped.
• Mountain bikes, which are very strong but not suited to cycling on tarmac. Although they are ideal for complicated descents, they make pedalling harder and are not usually fitted with lights or bag carriers.
• The best option is City bikes, because they are light but also safe and strong. They have the advantage of being fitted with bag carriers, mudguards and lights.
• Folding bikes were specially developed for the city. They are small and light, especially when folded. So they are ideal for short distances of under 10 kilometres, for combining with other means of transport and taking them up to your flat or office, as they take up very little space. You should bear in mind their weight and how easy they are to fold and unfold.
• Electric bicycles (e-bikes or pedal-assisted bikes) have an auxiliary electric motor and can be very practical for people who live in areas with steep gradients, older people and people with reduced mobility. The motor only starts when the cyclist starts pedalling and it provides extra support. The drawback is that they are heavier than normal bikes.

Ideally, you should park in places designated for that purpose, such as anchor points and underground car parks.

To park you bike in the proper manner, we recommend you read the Parking section.

• Chain bicycles to trees, traffic lights, benches, recycling containers, litter bins, bus shelters and, in general, to any urban furniture where that might contravene the purpose or function for which they were designed.
• Leave them in loading or unloading areas, at zebra crossings, against elements adjoining building facades, by parking places reserved for people with reduced mobility or by Bicing stations.
• Park them in places where parking is prohibited, such as in front of public premises, emergency exits, buildings where parking is not recommended in order to ensure public safety, or hospitals, clinics or health centres, to facilitate patient access.
• Leave them on pavements if this obstructs pedestrians.

Any parking that contravenes these regulations will be penalised by the removal of the bicycle.