According to the study conducted by the Network of Cities for Bicycles, in its 2017 Bicycle Barometer, almost half of Spanish cyclists between the ages of 12 and 79 use a bicycle occasionally, and a quarter of them do so weekly.
THE BICYCLE HAS COME TO STAY
The number of users using them for daily commutes, going to work or school, has increased. These users are requesting that private companies encourage the use of these vehicles by providing parking spaces. The Basque Country and both Castiles (Castilla y León and Castilla La Mancha) lead the way in terms of usage, while the Canary Islands are at the bottom.
Bicycle availability is 74.9%. Three out of four Spaniards have a bike at home, and six out of ten Spaniards have one for personal use. Therefore, we understand that there are approximately 30 million bicycles in Spain.
Cyclists prefer to use bike lanes or 30-degree zones rather than riding on the road next to vehicles, as they consider it risky. Regarding accidents, almost 15% of cyclists have been involved in an accident without third party involvement. 25,3% have been victims of being hit by a car. Accidents on mountain roads and highways are also increasing, while decreasing in urban areas. It is worth noting that 16% of cyclists have had at least one bicycle stolen.
THE USE OF THE BICYCLE
Walking and sports remain the main uses of bicycles, and in large cities, regular use for daily commutes is also prominent. Spanish cyclists continue to consider health and mobility as the most valued attributes of bicycles, as well as their ecological and economic benefits. The most frequently mentioned drawbacks are the dangers they entail when commuting, coping with traffic, and the lack of bike lanes.
As we can see, bicycle use is increasing, and Spanish cyclists are increasingly aware of the importance of using this form of transport to reduce the pollution found, especially in our country's large cities. Regular cyclists are well aware of the benefits this vehicle can provide. Furthermore, we need more people to enjoy them.
Finally, we must mention the need to seek perfect coexistence between cyclists and motor vehicles, so that bicycle use actually increases.
