Safe mobility
Everyone has the right to move around the city. And to do so safely as well. Which is why programmes, initiatives and actions are being launched in Barcelona to ensure road safety and safe mobility in each and every one of the city’s neighbourhoods.
With improvements in the infrastructure for every means of travel, especially in their increasingly majority collective and sustainable modes, and which have less space for traffic compared to traditionally predominant private vehicles. But with measures for protecting more vulnerable users (cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians) with coexistence and safety regulations for looking after oneself and other users. And, above all, with a city conception that puts special emphasis on vulnerable collectives and which promotes active and health mobility for everyone.
Acting on the various factors involved in road safety to reduce accident rates to zero as a priority goal is one of the main principles of the mobility model proposed under the 2013-2018 Barcelona Urban Mobility Plan (PMU).
In Barcelona we take care of the quality and comfort of urban public spaces. But remember that you can contribute to safer travel as well, for yourself and the other people who use the public space.
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Safe mobility in Barcelona
In addition to the Urban Mobility Plan, the 2019-2022 Barcelona Road Safety Plan provides a safe mobility action strategy for everyone, giving special priority to your needs as a pedestrian, cyclist, two-wheel vehicle user or public transport passenger. The Plan includes a series of measures for reducing road accident rates on Barcelona's streets, under the goals established by the European Union.
Getting around by foot is natural and healthy. It keeps us in touch with other people and our surroundings, allowing us to enjoy travelling while observing the city and all its natural and urban diversity. Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city with wide pavements, clearly marked and signposted pedestrian crossings, 30 km/h streets, pedestrianised areas and single-level streets (no raised kerbs). Make the most of the green spaces to keep yourself healthy and in touch with nature.
If you’re a cyclist, you’ve got over 200 km of bike lanes, with specific signs and markings, parking places and regulations to protect you and able you to share the road with other users.
If you travel by motorbike or moped, make the most of the spaces reserved for waiting for traffic lights to change, use specific parking areas and avoid parking on pavements. Never forget your crash-helmet and always travel with caution, for your own and others’ safety.
We do most of our daily travel in Barcelona on foot and bike (around 53,7%), and rather less on public transport (27,7%), according to the ’2019 Working Day Mobility Survey.
The city's commitment to quality public spaces can be seen from its initiatives to improve the comfort, quality and safety of your journeys. Street pavements are periodically renovated for greater road safety; 30-km/h speed limits and new traffic-calming measures are being introduced in some streets; urban furniture is being improved, along with road signs and markings, as well as traffic-light frequencies at traffic hotspots; and lanes are being adapted to the various means of transport.
If you travel by bus you've got conventional lines, fast lines, accessible vehicles and stops, and over 200 km of bus lanes throughout the city. If you’ve got no other option but to travel by private vehicle, remember to keep a safe distance away from other road users, drive with care – especially when turning or changing direction – and share your vehicle whenever you can. A quality urban space for ensuring comfort and safety on public roads.
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of the vehicles involved in road accidents are cars, vans, motorbikes or mopeds