Cycling rules in Madrid for locals and newcomers

If you ride a bike in Madrid, two sets of rules apply at the same time: the City Council’s Sustainable Mobility Ordinance (Ordenanza de Movilidad Sostenible) for everything inside the city, and Spain’s national traffic rules from the DGT (the Traffic Law and the General Traffic Regulation). A lot of confusion comes from mixing the two up, and newcomers often bring rules from home that do not apply here. This is what the rules say, with the fine amounts that are actually set in law.

Rules change. The General Traffic Regulation was reformed with effect from 1 October 2026, and the city ordinance has been amended several times since 2018. If you need the exact wording for a specific case, check the City Council or DGT websites.

Where to ride

On the road, in the middle of the lane. The ordinance says bikes ride on the road or on bike lanes and designated areas, and that on the road they ride in the central part of the lane. This is not reckless, it is what the rule asks for: drivers see you and do not squeeze past. The national reform of October 2026 points the same way for urban streets, and adds that motor vehicles behind a bike must keep at least 5 metres back.

On streets with several lanes, preferably in the right hand one. You can use another lane to turn or when traffic makes it necessary.

Two abreast is allowed within the same lane, unless it creates a risk. Not in reserved lanes.

Bike lanes are not compulsory. You can choose between the road and the bike lane, unless a sign says otherwise. On a bike lane you have priority over cars, including when they turn across your path.

Bus lanes only where signs expressly allow bikes. Otherwise, use the lane next to it.

The M-30 ring road is off limits, both the road and its slip roads. City tunnels are allowed unless a sign says otherwise, with front and rear lights on.

Advanced stop boxes. At traffic lights with an advanced stop line for bikes, you can move up between stopped cars, if there is room to do it safely, and wait at the front.

Pavements, pedestrian areas and parks

No cycling on the pavement. The ordinance bans it explicitly, as well as in pedestrian streets and areas. If you need to get onto the pavement (to park, for example), get off and walk the bike.

The exception is children under 12, who can ride on the pavement at no more than 5 km/h, giving way to pedestrians and accompanied by an adult on foot.

Pavement bike lanes (aceras bici, the marked strip on the pavement): yes, at a maximum of 10 km/h and without straying onto the rest of the pavement.

Shared streets (ciclocalles): keep a metre and a half from pedestrians and from building fronts. If that is not possible, get off.

Parks: you can ride on paths over 3 metres wide, giving pedestrians priority, at a maximum of 15 km/h. Where bikes have no separate space, the limit drops to 5 km/h on the busiest days and times.

Fine for riding on the pavement: it is a minor offence. Minor offences carry a fine of up to 100 €.

Helmets

This is where most people get confused, because there are two rules:

• Traffic Law (DGT): helmets are compulsory for under 16s on any road and for all cyclists on interurban roads (roads outside towns). Since the 1 October 2026 reform, the old exemptions on interurban roads, such as heat or long climbs, are gone.
• Madrid ordinance: inside the city, helmets are compulsory for under 18s and for anyone using the bike for work, such as delivery riders.

So an adult riding around the city of Madrid, not for work, does not have to wear a helmet. It is still a very good idea. Not wearing one when the Traffic Law requires it is a serious offence: 200 €.

Lights and visibility

At night, in tunnels or in poor visibility, your bike needs a white front light, a red rear light and a red rear reflector. Riding without the required lights is a serious offence: 200 €.

On interurban roads, when lights are required, you also need to wear something reflective.

Phones, headphones and alcohol

• Headphones or earbuds connected to a player or phone: not allowed. 200 €.
• Phone in your hand while riding: not allowed. 200 €.
• Alcohol: cyclists have the same limits as other drivers and must take a test if an officer asks. Going over is a very serious offence: 500 €, or 1,000 € if you are over double the limit or were already fined for the same thing in the previous year.

Traffic lights, zebra crossings and priority

• Traffic lights and signs apply to you just like a car. If a bike lane has no light of its own, follow the one for the road.
• At zebra crossings, pedestrians have priority. To use a zebra crossing like a pedestrian, get off the bike.
• At cycle crossings with no traffic light, you have priority over other vehicles, but cross slowly and carefully so you are seen.

Carrying a child or cargo

An adult can carry a child up to 7 years old in an approved extra seat. The ordinance also allows approved trailers and trailer bikes, as long as the load cannot fall, does not make the bike unstable and does not cover the lights. Pets go in a carrier that is properly fixed to the bike.

Where to park and lock your bike

• First choice: bike racks and marked bike parking.
• On the pavement, only as an exception: if there is no bike parking within 50 metres, the street is not pedestrian or specially protected for pedestrians, and you leave at least 3 metres clear for people to pass.
• What you can lock to: the bike rack itself or, on the pavement, only street furniture that marks off spaces. Never to signs. The ordinance also rules out trees, benches and bus shelters.
• Do not park at bus or taxi stops, in spaces for people with reduced mobility or on top of manhole and utility covers.

E-bikes

The ordinance treats as a bicycle a pedal assisted bike with a motor of 250 W or less that stops helping when you stop pedalling or reach 25 km/h. If your e-bike has a throttle or goes beyond those limits, it is no longer a bicycle in legal terms and other rules apply.

If you get a fine

For traffic fines, if you pay on the spot or within 20 calendar days of being notified, the amount is cut by half. Bikes have free access to Madrid’s Low Emission Zones, so no surprises there.

Rules and your bike

Several of these fines come down to the state of the bike: lights that do not work, brakes that do not stop you in time before a zebra crossing. If your bike needs its brakes, lights or wheels checked before you feel safe riding it in traffic, on madridbikes.com you tell us what is wrong, in English or Spanish, and we assign a partner workshop in your area.

Sources: Madrid Sustainable Mobility Ordinance (2018 text and later amendments) and Madrid City Council pages on the ordinance and its bicycle section; Spanish Traffic Law (BOE, articles 47, 76, 77, 80 and 94); DGT press releases on the reform of the General Traffic Regulation (in force since 1 October 2026); DGT magazine, “20 normas que todo ciclista debe conocer”.