road safety in Spain

[el Inglés]

New rules for cyclists in Spain
1 ) helmets obligatory except ( ? ) in towns .
2 ) reflectors obligatory and must be visable at 150 meters ( nobody knows what the hell that means , day / night or what

more info www.dgt.es

" and may God have mercy on your soul " ( final words of the judge ( GB ) after pronouncing the death sentence , usually hanging )

[Gordon P]

Thanks for the info; I will be touring in Spain this spring and read somewhere about the change in the rules. Personally, I think it is a good idea to make cycling safer. Now if they can do something with those crazy Spanish drivers! :beer:

[John E]

Does this require a full set of front, side, rear, and pedal reflectors, as specified by the U.S.A.'s Consumer Safety Product Commission? Pedal reflectors are incompatible with modern snap-in binders and can obstruct the "flip-up" tab on traditional quill or "rat-trap" strap-in (toe-clip) pedals.

The visibility distance standard is good, except that it is meaningless unless the illuminating source (presumably automobile low-beam headlights) is also specified.

[willic]

Does that also apply to all the loonies riding around on their Puck`s and other small mopeds/scooters?

[condor63]

Have you cycled in el escorial,if you have have you seen a resort on the outskirts called Monte Escorial. I've tried to find a web URL for Monte and never been successfull,Let me know if you can help.Thx

[Urbanmonk]

I lived in Spain for a year, during my college days; and from what I could see on the streets, freeways and biways, it is not the safest place to ride, drive, or walk. I rode public transportation. A not-so-safe place to ride, second only to Italy. I once had the Guardia Civil, Franco's head hunter's of old, follow me for around 100 miles (our distance) in a rental car, just to ask me about the rental car. Learn the laws and follow them; ride with others who are citizens and know the roads and rules better than we. It may make your travels a bit less stressful.

Cheers,

Urbanmonk