Madrid with bike

Madrid is (not) a city for bikes

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Demostration with bikes at Casa del Reloj

Cycling in Madrid

This page is intended to help our visitors and tourists to ride a bike in Madrid.

Here we include the most relevant information available in English (or billingual) about cycling in our city.

Madrid cyclists guides

Official guide

Guia Ciclista de Madrid
Madrid Cycling Guide

Madrid Cycling Guide.
Look at the city with different eyes.
(October, 2016 Edition)
(Billingual PDF Spanish/English)

What will you find in this guide?:

  1. Segregated cycle routes:
    Streets with separated lanes for cyclists.
  2. Recommended itineraries:
    Suitable routes for riders, according to their features of comfort and safety.
  3. Cyclist Green Belt of Madrid:
    It is a segregated pedestrian and cycle route which surrounds Madrid City. It provides connections with other segregated cycle routes and recommended itineraries.
  4. APR (Residential Priority Areas):
    These are areas within the city with restricted access for motor vehicles, with low traffic density and limited speed, very suitable for bikers.

A printed copy of this guide can be found at the Centros de Educación Medioambiental (page in Spanish).

Other guides

Bicycle regulations in Madrid

New rules in the Sustainable Mobility Ordinance:
Madrid announces new rules of the road in bid to banish traffic from center (article by El País newspaper).

Bicycles will be able to turn right on a red light where so indicated. They may also move against the traffic on residential streets with speed limits of 20km/h or under, and on shared-use lanes. The 30km/h speed limit on many streets also seeks to favor shared road space between motorists and cyclists. The latter will also be allowed to lock their bikes to street furniture as long as they don’t block the way for pedestrians.

ON THE STREET

  • If you ride on road, use the centre of the lane. In case of more than one, use always the far right lane, without considering the bus lane if it exists, unless there are specific signals allowing you to circulate on it.
  • Use the left lane only in case you want to turn left.
  • Bicycles shall not drive on the bus lane.
  • Do not run in parallel with other cyclists.
  • You are on a vehicle, you have rights and obligations: respect signs, traffic lights and others.
  • Never hold on to any other vehicle to be towed.
  • Do not wear headphones.
  • And never use your mobile while riding.

ON THE SIDEWALKS

  • It is forbidden to drive on the sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
  • If you need to use any sidewalk or other pedestrian area you must get off the bike and walk pushing your bike.
  • Who has priority?
    • On the side path lanes, pedestrians have priority over cyclists. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians, adapting speed to theirs.
    • On cycle lanes, cyclists have priority. Pedestrians have to use the enabled crosswalks. In case of lack of crosswalks, pedestrians must avoid hindering cyclists when crossing.
    • In cycle crossings without traffic lights, bikes have priority over other vehicles. Remember to cross with caution and at a moderate speed.

ACCESORIES

Make yourself visible:

  • Remember to use duly approved reflective elements.
  • Install a bell on your bike; it will serve to alert other users of your presence.
  • If you drive at night or in bad weather conditions you need to have front light and rear reflector. You can put reflective elements in the spokes and pedals too.
  • Reflective elements make you visible even in daylight.
  • Bike mirrors increase your safety.

Helmet regulations:

  • Children under 16 must wear a helmet.
  • Wearing a helmet is recommended but not mandatory for adults (16 or more) in urban areas.
  • A helmet is required if you are cycling by roads outside a settlement/town.
  • (Note that many web pages contains outdated information about this.)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cycling in the city is not dangerous as far as you follow few basic rules:

  • Drive maintaining a straight and predictable line, signalling clearly your turns with your arms.
  • Fit the appropriate speed.
  • Try to anticipate drivers’ maneuvers.
  • Pay special attention at crossings. Many drivers do not signal their turns to the right, cutting off your way and putting you in danger.
  • Do not relax and be ready to brake, especially when riding among cars. Note that in case of accident bikes and cyclists are the weakest player.
  • Do not drive too close to parked cars to avoid opening doors.
  • Adapt to the speed of the street where you ride in, and, if possible, choose streets suitable for riders.
  • Watch to road: there may be bumps or slippery surfaces.
  • When you ride on pedestrian priority areas, you must keep in mind their priority, adapting your speed at theirs.
  • Safety is based on active protection measures: moderated speed, driving attention, bringing forward your movements and those coming from others, signalling your turns…
  • Pay special attention when raining.
  • Keep your bike in good condition to increase safety: brakes, transmission, axis, wheels and lights.
  • Insurance is not mandatory but it covers any damage you might cause to others.

WITH KIDS

Biking is practical, fun and educational: children who are used to biking will be the cyclists of the future.

  • Always use a certified child-safe, seat.
  • Only kids up to 7 years old can be transported by an adult using an extra seat or trailer approved for the transport of persons.
  • Children under 16 must wear a helmet, whether riding on their own or as a passenger.
  • Trailers are only allowed on bike paths.

WHERE TO PARK

Parking the bike properly:

  • You must park your bike in a bike rack or other cycle parking.
  • Do not use parking lots reserved for other vehicles like motorcycles or disabled people vehicles.
  • If you do not find a bike rack, you can park your bike on the sidewalk only if it is more than 3 meters wide, and always parallel to the curb.
  • Never bind a bike to a tree and always without hindering public transport, crosswalks, etc.

Cycle racks:

Thefts:

  • Park your bike in populated and well-lit places.
  • Note your bike’ serial number: it will be easier to recover if it’ stolen.
  • Lock the bike properly. U-shaped locks are recommended, but you can supplement it with others.

HELP?

  • POLICE: 092
  • EMERGENCY: 112

Madrid cycle ways infraestructure

The bikeways in the city can be classified into six types:

  1. Bike tracks.
  2. Bike lanes.
  3. Greenways.
  4. Car-shared lanes.
  5. Bike sidewalk-paths.
  6. Shared-use paths.

Every road has its rules:

NAME

DESCRIPTION

PRIORITY

BIKE TRACK

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It is a roadway constructed specifically to be used only by cyclists.

BIKES

BIKE LANE

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Exclusively for bikes. A bike lane can go in one or two directions. Protected bike lanes are separated by a curb or bollards.

BIKES

GREENWAY

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A roadway constructed specifically for cyclists, separated from pedestrian and motorized traffic.

BIKES

SHARED LANE

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One way integrated road, where motorized vehicles may not exceed the posted speed limit (usually 30 km/h). It has specific signallin. In these paths, bicycles and motorized vehicles coexit, and vehicles shall adjudt their speed to the bicycle’ pace, riders do not have priority over motor vehicles, so you will have to circulate as any other vehicle through the middle of the lane, signalling clearly your turns and observing carefully the traffic signs and the traffic lights.

  • Cycle path (ciclocarril): lane of coexistance (bike-vehicle) on a road including several traffic lanes.
  • Cycle street (ciclocalle): road of coexistance (bike-vehicle) composed of one single lane and one single traffic direction.

CARS AND BIKES
(SHARED)

SIDEWALK PATH

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Sidewalk lanes are part of the pedestrian path and are separated by physical or visual barrier. Stay alert: there are bus stops, loading and unloading areas… It’s a busy space! It is a bike lane built on the sidewalks. It is separated from traffic but integrated on the walkway. It has some sort of signalling and / or physical or visual element that segregates itself from pedestrians.

BIKES
(EXCEPT IN CROSSWALKS)

SHARED PATH

senda.jpg

Shared-use lane for pedestrians and bikes separated from traffic, that runs though open spaces (parks, gardens…). There may be signs separating cyclists from pedestrians.

PEDESTRIANS

Bike sharing & hiring in Madrid

Bicycle-sharing public service: BiciMAD

BiciMAD

Logo de BiciMAD
BiciMAD Logo

Madrid makes electric bicycles available through the BiciMAD service. You will find them throughout the city centre and in some parts of the Arganzuela, Retiro, Moncloa-Aravaca and Chamberí districts. You will be issued a 1, 3 or 5 day pass by the terminal at the bike docking station, and you will be charged at the end of the selected period based on your use of the service. BiciMAD is perfect for everyday use and to explore the city.

Find out more in BiciMAD web site (in Spanish).

  • BiciMad is Madrid’ new public transport service.
  • It is supplied by 100% electric bicycles: practical, simple and sustainable.
  • BiciMad works 24 hours a day. 365 days a year.
  • BiciMad’ objective is to provide all citizens with a healthy option for urban transportation, and to promote the use of bicycles in the city.

Useful resources in English about BiciMAD:

Bicycle-sharing private services

  •  Mobike: a bike sharing service to fulfil urban short trips – anytime, to any legal parking destination – by combining innovation and today’s IoT (Internet of Things) technology. Mobike is green, reduces congestion, and continually strives to improve the quality of city life.

Other bike-rental services

Bike rentals guides

  • Bike Rental in Madrid: Cycling is a healthy, ecological way to enjoy Madrid, allowing you to see the city at your own pace while you do a little exercise and enjoy the city’s wonderful climate. There are a number of places where you can hire bikes, especially around parks and near major tourist attractions.
  • The Best 10 Bike Rentals in Madrid, Spain: Yelp.

Disappeared bike sharing services

After the summer of 2018 these companies stopped providing their services in Madrid:

  • Ofo: With ofo, you pick up a bike, get where you’ going, and leave it there. No docking stations, no walking the rest of the way. Because that’ what a bike share is supposed to be.
  • oBike: oBike is a dockless bike-sharing company with a difference, combining technology and bicycles to transform transportation in ES cities and beyond!
  • Donkey Republic: 24/7 Bike Rental. Find a bike near you and unlock with your phone.

Tourism with bike in Madrid

Cycling activities in Madrid

Combining cycling and public transportation

The combined use of bike and public transportation allows you to travel long distances reducing pollution, increasing energy efficiency and enjoying many benefits:

  • Increase the competitiveness of transport.
  • It is a door to door means of transport, as bikes are easy to park.
  • It is the greenest and more efficient intermodal combination, especially when combined with railroad.

This table summarizes the criteria for carrying bicycles, both folded as normal, in each mode of transport

Source: Madrid on a bicycle (CRMT): During the past years, the numerous transport operators integrated in the Consorcio Regional de Transportes (CRTM) have been modifying their legal frameworks to standardize the conditions for bicycle access to their facilities and vehicles. The RENFE Suburban rail, Metro, light rail and EMT have amended current legislation based always on the characteristics of their networks and vehicles. Currently, there is no standard or guidelines for the admission of bicycles, but the legislation is based on the respective regulation developed from the Transport Regulation Act.

MEANS OF TRANSPORT

FOLDED BIKES

CONVENTIONAL BICYCLES

Suburban Rail

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They are always welcome.
They can be unfolded to the platform.

After a few years with rules regulating access in terms of time and lines, the Suburban Rail always accepts bikes always at the discretion of the occupation of the train at that time.

Metro

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They are always welcome.
They can be unfolded to the platform.
Holiday and weekend can be unfolded.

On lines 8, 11 and 12 they are always welcome.
In the rest of the lines they are always allowed in the sections that go from the Anillo Ciclista to the outside.
For the rest, admission subject to Schedule:

  • Weekdays: During all service hours except from 7:30 to 9:30, 14:00 to 16:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
  • Weekends and holidays: All day.

Light Rail

metroligero_xl.gif

They are always welcome.
They can be unfolded to the platform.
Holiday and weekend can be unfolded.

On lines ML1, ML2 and ML3 they are always welcome.
In Parla Tram, admission subject to Schedule:

  • Weekdays: During all service hours except from 7:30 to 9:30, 14:00 to 16:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
  • Weekends and holidays: All day.

EMT Buses

emt_xl.gif

They can be folded on the central platform at all times, giving priority to wheelchairs and strollers.

Only lines with outside bracket as in line 33 that goes to the Casa de Campo and wherein this rack is placed in the back of the bus.

Suburban Buses

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Travelers who carry a bicycle have the right to access buses under the terms and conditions established by the Ministry of Transport, Housing and Infrastructure, respecting in all cases the right to use spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Travelers who carry a bicycle have the right to access buses under the terms and conditions established by the Ministry of Transport, Housing and Infrastructure, respecting in all cases the right to use spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Metro Madrid («Subway», «Tube»)

Information from the official web:

Other sources of information:

Cercanías RENFE («Suburban Rail»)

EMT Madrid («Urban Buses»)

Madrid Barajas Airport

Transport in Madrid:
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The English edition of Wikipedia contains a Category:Transport in Madrid:

Useful resources for cyclists

Cyclists dictionaries

Madrid bikes movile apps

About us (Pedalibre & ConBici)

Pedalibre («FreePedal»)

Pegatina de Pedalibre
Pedalibre sticker

The Pedalibre Association of Bicycle Users is composed of a large group of people of different ages who practice urban cycling and bicycle touring. We demand the use of bicycles as alternative transportation system for the activities in the daily life. Our proposal is to enjoy cycling through various leisure activities, like ecological and cultural tourism, in addition to activities designed to vindicate the use of bicycles as a means of transport.Founded in 1982, Pedalibre is the oldest cycling association in Madrid.

Together with many others Spanish cycling associations, we form ConBici.

Contact:

  • Phone: +034 634 529 217
  • E-Mail: info@pedalibre.org

ConBici («WithBike»)

Logo de ConBici
ConBici Logo

ConBici is an association (federation) of 61 cycling advocacy and environmental organisations. ConBici is a non-profit organisation under the Spanish law.Purpose of the Organisation:

  1. Promote the use of the bicycle as a mean of transportation and leisure
  2. Promote urban, interurban cycling and cycling tourism
  3. Recognise the right of cycling in safe conditions and promote road safety
  4. Advocacy for building new and better infrastructure and the necessary measures to make cycling safer
  5. Promote intermodality between bicycle and other transport modes (train, bus, etc.). Defend the interest of the cyclists and consumers of service associated to cycling. Promotion of training, social integration specially of young people

In general, improve the quality of life, environment, socialcultural promotion, solidarity and the defence of social interests of people mobility. (Text from: ECF)

La Bicicleta Café

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Pedalibre meetings advertising

Workplace – Gallery and Cycling Café
Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9
Malasaña (Madrid)

We used to meet here the second Tuesday of every month at 19:30 p.m. (GMT+1).

Now the monthly meetings take place at the new Pedalibre’s local. Cyclists from all over the world are always welcome.

Madrid for a cycle path in Paseo de la Castellana
(English subtitles)

Pedalibre supports the campaign by a bike lane in La Castellana, the main avenue of the city of Madrid.

Copyright note

Some of the contents of this guide have been extracted from PDF documents of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid and the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid. The information was copied and rearranged into text in order to provide it directly in a web page.

The translations of the bikeways names into Engllsh are taken from the Wikipedia.