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Changes in the Traffic Regulations 2025: new rules to protect cyclists

The new year brings important adjustments to the General Traffic Regulations, promoted by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) to promote sustainable mobility and improve road safety.

These changes, which come into force on 1 January 2025, come after a difficult 2024, in which nearly fifty cyclists have died on Spanish roads.

According to the DGT, the aim is to reduce accidents and promote more respectful coexistence between drivers of motor vehicles and the cycling community, which includes many triathletes.

Below, we will tell you the highlights of this reform, as well as the reactions it is generating in the sports community and among drivers.

  1. Objective of the new regulations

The DGT emphasizes that the changes seek, above all, ensuring the safety of cyclists and facilitate mobility in urban environments and on secondary roads.

The increase in cyclists in cities, combined with sporting activities such as triathlons, has led to the law being adapted to this new reality.

Experts point out that motorcyclists are not always cautious, and that there are also reckless behaviours among cyclists and triathletes. These measures are therefore intended to balance responsibilities.

The regulation is based on two main axes:

  • Reduce reckless driving when overtaking and in traffic jams.
  • Promote mobility in bike around the city without increasing the risks.
  1. Urban traffic and mandatory helmet

A change that has generated debate is the Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists, without any exception.

Until now, those over 16 had certain restrictions on not wearing a helmet in certain specific circumstances, but that is now a thing of the past. Whether you are training for a triathlon or using your bike to buy bread, in 2025 the helmet must always be fastened.

On the other hand, in urban environments it is emphasized that bicycles preferably circulate in the center of the lane.

This guideline is based on the lack of sufficient bike lanes in many cities and aims to increase the visibility of cyclists and reduce the possibility of them being trapped against curbs or obstacles.

Thus, motor vehicles are required to maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters when riding behind a cyclist, avoiding collisions caused by unexpected braking.

  1. Overtaking and lateral distance

According to the way to overtake a cyclist, the regulations specify two crucial points:

  1. Speed ​​reduction: The driver must slow down at least 20 km/h below the permitted limit on the road. For example, on a secondary road limited to 90 km/h, the vehicle may not exceed 70 km/h when overtaking the bike.
  2. Mandatory lateral distance: The minimum is maintained 1,5 metersIf necessary, the car may invade the opposite lane, provided that the maneuver is safe.

The aim of this measure is to prevent side collisions and give both the cyclist and the driver greater room to react.

This is a delicate point for those who train long distances on secondary roads, which are common in the triathlon environment, where an incident can have very serious consequences.

  1. Controversy on 30 km/h streets

One of the most discussed aspects is the authorization for bicycles to be able to circulate in the opposite direction on single-lane streets that have a 30 km/h limit.

This practice has already been seen in some European cities, but in Spain it represents a significant change.

  • Goal: Facilitate cycling travel and reduce the distance of urban routes.
  • Clarification: It is only allowed on streets with a single lane and well signposted, so that there is no confusion with the traffic.
  • Possible risks: Some drivers are afraid of coming face to face with bikes without warning. For this reason, the DGT is planning information campaigns and cyclists are required to be extremely careful.

Furthermore, congested traffic situationsThe regulations provide that cyclists can overtake motor vehicles on both the right and the left.

This measure seeks to speed up bicycle mobility and avoid collisions due to braking.

Conclusion

The new provisions of the General Traffic Regulations for 2025 mark a turning point in the relationship between cars and bicycles.

After a 2024 in which nearly fifty cyclists have died, the DGT has opted for measures that promote sustainable mobility and try to protect the most vulnerable. However, they are not without controversy, especially regarding driving in the wrong direction on single-lane streets, as well as overtaking on both sides in traffic jams.

For cyclists and triathletes, the key is to adapt to these regulations responsibly, remembering that safety begins with oneself.

For motorists, it is time to be extremely cautious and remember that a simple mistake can put a life at risk. Both parties will have to live with this legal reform, the aim of which is, in the long term, to achieve a safer and more friendly environment for everyone. It is also up to you to make this happen.

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Triathlon News Editorial: We are the award-winning team in 2019 and Best Triathlon Website, made up of communicators passionate about triathlon, with more than 14 years of experience. We strive to offer you the most accurate, relevant and up-to-date information, conveying the excitement and dedication that characterize this sport.
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