Cycling rules in Catalonia and Spain

Helmets

Since 1 October 2026, every cyclist must wear a helmet on roads outside towns, with no exceptions. The old exceptions for steep climbs and very hot days are gone. Inside towns a helmet is not compulsory for adults, but we recommend wearing it all the time. If you rent a bike through us, ask for a helmet with it.

How drivers must overtake you

• Outside towns, drivers must slow down by at least 20 km/h below the speed limit to overtake a cyclist.
• On roads with more than one lane in each direction, they must change lanes completely, and always leave at least 1.5 m.
• In towns, you may ride in the middle of the lane, and a car behind you must keep at least 5 m away.

Riding in a group

You can ride two abreast on most roads, but ride in single file on narrow roads, on bends with poor visibility and whenever traffic builds up behind you. Use the hard shoulder where there is one.

Lights and visibility

At night, in tunnels and in poor visibility you need a white front light, a red rear light and reflective clothing outside towns. Several of our routes pass through short tunnels on old railway lines, so keep a small light on the bike even for day rides.

Alcohol and phones

The same alcohol limits apply to cyclists as to drivers, and the police can test you. Using a phone while riding and riding with headphones in both ears are not allowed.

Natural parks

Most of our routes cross natural parks such as Montserrat, Sant Llorenç del Munt and the Montseny. Inside them:

• Ride only on tracks and paths open to bikes. Some footpaths are closed to bikes, and signs say so.
• Give way to walkers and horses, and slow down when you pass them.
• In summer, parks can close completely because of fire risk. See our guide to the best time to ride.

Emergencies

Call 112 for any emergency, anywhere in Spain. It is free, works without credit and has operators who speak English. Save the address of each night’s hotel on your phone, and share your live location with someone at home.

Sources

• The DGT changes from 1 October 2026, Betevé
• Spanish traffic authority (DGT): dgt.es
• Catalan natural parks: parcsnaturals.gencat.cat and parcs.diba.cat