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Date Published: 06/11/2023

New fines in Murcia for using headphones or mobiles while cycling

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Helmets will also be mandatory for cyclists under the age of 16 in Murcia municipality

New fines in Murcia for using headphones or mobiles while cycling

Murcia council has approved a new mobility ordinance that will come into effect throughout the capital by the end of the year. The new regulations take a much tougher stance on bicycle and electric scooter safety and hefty fines will be doled out to flouters.

One of the most striking changes is the outright ban on using headphones or mobile phones while riding a bike, “as well as any other means or communication system that involves manual use.”

The legislation states that while it’s “recommended” that all cyclists wear a helmet, it will become mandatory for any children under the age of 16, regardless of where they are riding their bike.

The ordinance also expressly prohibits what is popularly known as ‘doing wheelies’, and cyclists are forbidden from holding on to any other moving vehicles and from making sudden manoeuvres, braking or skidding; essentially, any action that could put the safety of themselves or other road users in jeopardy.

Failure to comply with most of these instructions is considered a serious infraction, and the fines can be as much as 200 euros.

Although it is not compulsory, the ordinance recommends that cyclists have civil liability insurance with coverage in the event of an accident for damage to third parties, personal or material.

Another aspect that the new regulations clarify is related to right of way. In combined cycle-walking lanes, pedestrians will always have the right of way while bikes will be given priority over pedestrians in segregated lanes.

Furthermore, riders must reduce their speed to a maximum of 10km/h when travelling in cycle lanes on footpaths.

The authorities have now clarified that if there is a queue of cars at traffic lights, bikes can go past the stop line when the light is red in order to make a turn. Cyclists can also pass through the lights at pedestrian crossings, but "always at moderate speed and respecting the priority of passage of pedestrians” and other road users.

As with electric scooters, the circulation of bicycles on footpaths and pedestrian areas is prohibited, except for children under 12 years of age who are accompanied by an adult on foot, at a speed similar to that of pedestrians.

"When the person on a bicycle needs to access the footpath, he must do so by dismounting the bicycle and travelling with it in hand.”

Finally, whether it creates an obstacle or not, bikes will not be allowed to be chained up to trees or any other type of street furniture, or in parking spots reserved for vehicles.

In other news: Trial begins of Murcia couple accused of burning an ex-lover alive

Image: Freepik

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