New rules for Spain's cyclists become law on Thursday – what could they mean for the rest of us?
New overtaking laws and more flexibility for cyclists feels like progress, but will we benefit?
Spain has enacted new cycling rules that take effect on Thursday, October 1st, 2021. The regulations aim to promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation and increase cyclist safety. Some key provisions include removing exemptions for helmet use, mandating helmets for riders under 16 or those using bicycles for work, and requiring drivers to give cyclists a 1.5-meter buffer while overtaking, slowing down to 20 kph below the speed limit on rural roads, and allowing cyclists to travel in both directions on certain urban roads.
While these changes will make Spain a safer place for cyclists, it is unclear if the rest of the world will see immediate benefits. However, the progressive strides taken by Spain could inspire other countries to follow suit and improve road safety and reduce environmental impact.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
