On the other hand, the high density of these vehicles presents a problem, because they are not always parked in the authorised areas and, although they are allowed to park on the pavement, only where signs permit this and the width of the pavement is no less than 3 metres, they are not always correctly parked, which represents a problem for pedestrians and people with reduced mobility or functional diversity.
By motorcycle
Barcelona is one of the European cities with the most motorcycles and mopeds on its streets. As a very flexible urban vehicle for use in the average short and medium distance journeys in Barcelona, the motorbike represents 12.6% of the vehicles in circulation emitting fumes in the city.
Motorbikes, defined as a means of transport with a small volume and high level of use, have advantages when moving around in the city. The flexibility of use, low consumption and little space it takes up on the public highway, both when moving and when parked, are some of the advantages it presents. On the other hand, the accident rate is a negative aspect that must be resolved and which has become one of the most important municipal challenges as regards road safety.
Its dependence on polluting fossil fuels and the loud noise it generates when moving are other problems to solve. The incorporation of electric technology in the motorbike sector, which, while it is taking hold slower than in the car sector, is helping to minimise energy consumption and the ensuing emissions, as well as noise pollution.
How can I park?
According to the Bye-law for vehicles and pedestrians (Article 40), when it is not possible to park in the street and where there is not specific signage prohibiting it, you can park on the pavement only under the following conditions:
- If the pavement is between 3 and 6 metres wide, you can park parallel to the pavement (at a minimum of 0.5 metres from the edge of the curb) and between tree pits,without blocking vehicle entrances to buildings, litter bins or waste containers, and while keeping at least 2 metres away from zebra crossings and bus stops.
- If the pavement is more than 6 metres wide, motorcycles can park side by side and perpendicular to the curb, provided that there is at least 3 metres for pedestrians to pass.
Parking is not allowed on pavements less than 3 metres wide.
Pavements on single-level streets without curbs are considered to be the same as a pavement in a normal segregated street. Therefore, if it is less than 3 metres wide, parking is prohibited.
Safe driving
On your motorcycle or moped, you are agile and quick. But remember to drive carefully and respect the road signs.
Even today, drivers of motorcycles and mopeds are the group which has the highest involvement in traffic accidents and has the highest mortality rate.
At the same time, responsible driving helps the people around you feel safe and comfortable travelling around the city, especially the most vulnerable users, such as pedestrians and cyclists:
- Pedestrians always have right of way.
- Obey traffic regulations: road signage, traffic lights and speed limits.
- Always wear a fastened, standardised crash helmet of the right size, and additional protection.
- Never ride on pavements. It is forbidden to go on the pavements without dismounting from the vehicle, even to park.
- Signal for manoeuvres and keep to safe distances from other vehicles.