90% of Barcelona’s inhabitants live within 300 m of a cycling lane

The city has added more than 7 kilometres of new biking infrastructure

The Barcelona City Council had a look back on the year 2022 from a cycling perspective and reported that last year over 220,000 daily bicycle trips were made in the Catalonian capital. That has placed the city on the good and stable path of becoming ever more cycling and soft mobility friendly.

The cited figure represents an increase of 11% compared to 2021. What’s more, the cycling infrastructure has also expanded, with 7.32 kilometres having been added last year to the urban network.

The City also expects to add another 9 kilometres this year. Works will start this month on Mallorca street, between Clot and Cartagena streets. This lane will be located on the 'sea' side, closest to the water, or the left lane in the direction of traffic.

What’s more, this year, Arc de Triomf and Urquinaona square will be fully connected by cycling lanes, as officials will build a new road on Sant Pere boulevard between Girona and Roger de Llúria streets.

Pedalling around the Catalonian capital

With the new additions, there are now over 230km of dedicated lanes, over 100 of which have been built in the last six years, meaning cycling in Barcelona is already a popular means of getting about.

It also means that over 90% of the city’s population lives within 300 metres of a cycling lane. The latter tend to be located on the sidewalk, on the road, or even completely segregated.

However, with just 2% of commutes are currently being done on two wheels. In fact, in that regard riding a bicycle to work or school is still behind walking, public transport and driving private vehicles.