Cycling in Spain

Having just cycled for a month in Spain, I thought it would be worthwhile to give my impressions on this country for the cycle-tourist.

FIRST THE LAW   In 2004, new traffic regulations were introduced, many of which impacted cyclists.

Restrictions

• Helmets are required
• Drivers, including cyclists, cannot use cell phones while “driving”.
• After lighting up time, cyclists should wear reflective clothing that makes them visible to other road users at a distance of 150 meters.
• The maximum alcohol limit applicable to motorists (0.5) now also applies to cyclists.

Rules favoring Cyclists

• Car drivers should slow down, or even stop, when approaching cycle tracks or intersections
• Cyclists have full right of way over a motor vehicle when the latter is entering the road, a cyclist is using.
• If a group of cyclists has already begun to enter a junction or a roundabout, they will have priority over cars doing the same.
• On long descents with bends, cyclists are allowed to use as much of the road as they need, as long as they keep to the right half of the road.
• Support vehicles are allowed to follow cyclists at the same speed, keeping to the right of the road.
• Cyclists are allowed to ride close together, taking extreme care to avoid hitting each other. The are also allowed to ride two abreast, keeping as far to the right as possible and keeping in single file in stretches of poor visibility. On dual carriageways, they are allowed to ride on the hard shoulder as long as they are over 14 years of age and there is no sign that prohibits cyclists.

MY IMPRESSIONS

• Overall, Spain has a lot going for it and very few, in any, negatives.
• Cycling Areas: I know the Pyrenees, Northern Spain, Mallorca and Southeast (Andalucía) are all good. BAC has done successful rips in these places. There are probably others.
• Roads: I can’t think of a country which has better roads. 90% of them were very smooth. Our guides (three of the four areas mentioned above were scouted by locals) found very remote roads with minimal traffic. And when there was traffic, the drivers were polite. (A couple of trucks passed closer than I would have liked but that is pretty common.)
• Spanish: The locals were always friendly. Supposedly their unemployment rate is 21%, but we saw no signs of stress. Although the Spanish may not be as effusing as the Italians and the Irish, they were just as hospitable.
• Food: The typical Spanish diner doesn’t start until at least 8:00 pm, but you can always find something to eat (tapas). The food is good; so is the wine.
• Weather: The north is good in the summer, Andalucia is best in spring, the center is best in autumn and the south in the winter. From April 21 thru May 21, we had 3 or 4 hot days and the only rain occurred in the evening.
• Lodging: You get what you pay for. Although Spain is an old country, I was impressed at many modern facilities.
• Scenery and Monuments: Depends on location, but overall compares favorably with more popular cycling destinations (France, Italy, Ireland).