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Spain’s traffic authority has rolled out a series of new rules this year that will directly affect both motorcyclists and cyclists. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) says the changes are designed to make journeys safer and reduce the number of serious accidents on the country’s roads.

 

Motorcyclists will notice some of the changes straight away. Protective gear has been stepped up, with integrated or modular helmets and gloves now compulsory. As well as this, riders must wear reflective equipment at night or in poor visibility conditions, ensuring they can be seen from at least 150 metres away.

 

Training requirements have also been toughened. From July 1, those learning to ride a motorbike must spend more time practising in real traffic conditions before gaining their licence. A further measure, not yet in place, will give motorbikes the right to use hard shoulders during traffic jams, although speeds must remain under 30 km/h and priority will go to other authorised vehicles.

 

Cyclists are also included in the new DGT plans. Like motorcyclists, they are now required to make themselves visible in poor conditions from a distance of 150 metres. On urban roads limited to 30 km/h, cyclists can cycle in the opposite direction during jams, provided they keep to the centre of the lane and leave at least 1.5 metres between themselves and cars. Meanwhile, from 2025 groups of cyclists will be permitted to ride side by side, using up to two lanes, as long as they stay as close as possible to the right-hand side.

 

The reason behind the changes is stark. In 2024 there were 286 motorcyclist deaths and 46 cyclist deaths in Spain. Both groups are regarded as particularly vulnerable, and improving their protection has become a priority.

 

Alongside the new rules, the DGT has highlighted the importance of road awareness campaigns that remind car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists alike of the risks of not respecting the rules. As the agency points out, road safety is not only about reducing fatalities, but also about better coexistence between all who use Spain’s roads.

 

1. Compulsory use of integrated or modular helmets and protective gloves – in force from the beginning of this year.

2. Reflective equipment requirement – must be visible from 150 metres at night or in low visibility.

3. Stricter training for new riders – since Tuesday July 1 they must complete more practice sessions in open traffic.

4. Future hard-shoulder rule – motorcycles will be allowed to ride on the hard shoulder during traffic jams, up to 30 km/h, giving priority to vehicles also permitted to use that lane (announced, not yet in force).

5. Reflective equipment requirement – same as for motorcyclists, visible from 150 metres in poor conditions.

6. Rule for urban roads at 30 km/h – cyclists may ride in the opposite direction during traffic jams.

7. Lane positioning – on these 30 km/h roads, cyclists must keep to the centre of the lane and maintain at least 1.5 metres from other vehicles.

8. Group riding rule (from 2025) – groups can ride in parallel, using up to two lanes, but must stay as close as possible to the right edge.