Girona to start fining bike infractions in city center next week

Girona's municipal police will start sanctioning bicycle infractions from next week, especially in the Old Quarter and the Mercadal area of the city.

In the past six weeks, an information campaign on the road rules has been carried out and the second phase of that campaign is now underway.

Material with information has been shared with cycle tourists and people who regularly travel by bicycle in the city.

This is one of the measures contemplated by the city's plan to regulate cycle tourism and improve bike mobility and coexistence in the historic center of the city.

Some key guidelines regarding responsible cycling behavior include not riding against traffic or on sidewalks, getting off the bicycle in case of crowds, and riding at a moderate speed through the city.

Both tourists as well as local cyclists have received informational materials like maps outlining the proper direction of traffic and recommended dismount points.

This has been shared by several channels, including the Girocleta Office, the Tourist Office, and local cycling and hospitality businesses.

Additionally, organizations advocating for sustainable mobility, such as Mou-te en Bici, and neighborhood associations have collaborated in spreading the word.

Police will begin enforcing these rules with fines on Monday. Cyclists ignoring the regulations, especially in the historically significant areas of the city, will be subject to penalties.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to regulate cycle tourism and improve bicycle mobility in Girona's historic center.

The Spanish government has recently announced a €20 million investment plan to support public transport and bicycle systems in various cities. This initiative includes funding for reducing fares in existing bike-sharing programs as well as expanding services to new areas, aligning with Girona's goals of improving bicycle mobility.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the importance of increasing bicycle use in urban settings, noting that 35% of the population regularly ride bicycles.

"Cycling Mecca" 

Over the past few years, the northern Catalan city of Girona has become one of the best places in the world for cycling.

Between professional athletes moving to set up new lives in the city, to amateur enthusiasts visiting on two wheels, Girona has become a world capital for the sport.

In 2018, some 40,000 cyclists visited the city, with an estimated economic impact of €89 million according to a study from the University of Girona, and the cyclo-tourism industry has continued to grow from strength to strength since the pandemic. 

So why is Girona so good for cycling?

According to former professional mountain biker Dave Walsh, the city is "the perfect storm" for cycling. "It's got good roads, good climate, good range of terrains, and different places to cycle which is really good for training."