Are you planning a trip to Barcelona? Or are you a local who wants to experience the city in a different way? Biking in Barcelona is the best option for you! You can discover all the stunning features of Barcelona on a bike while also reducing the city's air pollution. In this article, we'll discuss why biking is becoming more and more popular in Barcelona and why it matters now more than ever to use bicycles as one of the primary means of transportation.
Why is Barcelona a bike-friendly city?
Barcelona is a bicycle-friendly city with over 300 km of bike lanes covering the entire urban area. Biking is not just an alternative but also one of the most popular transportation options for both locals and visitors. No matter where you are in Barcelona, you can easily find a bicycle lane that will take you to your destination within 5 minutes of walking. You can bring your own bike, use the public bicycle system “Bicing”, or rent a bike as a secure option. Please note, that “Bicing”, are only for Spanish or those who own a NIE (Spanish identification number). Find out how to get a NIE number here.
Did you know that Barcelona has more than 200 km of bike lanes in the entire city? Have a look at the entire bike map!
(City Hall of Barcelona, 2023)
Why is biking in Barcelona more convenient?
Barcelona has an incredible architectural design in every neighborhood, memorable attractions, and a charming urban design that allows for an exciting biking journey. The city has a long beach coast where you can easily cycle while enjoying the view of the sea and the joyful people on the beach. It's a city where you don't want to spend your commute time underground. That's why Barcelona is a city where many people cycle, and it has the infrastructure to support it. Besides those, there are a few more reasons why using a bicycle in Barcelona is convenient.
1. Easy to navigate
Barcelona has a well-developed bike network that is easy to navigate. As said above the city has more than 200 km of bike lanes and shared streets, making it easy for cyclists to get around. Moreover, the bike lanes are well-marked and separated from the traffic, making biking a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Cost-effective
Biking is an affordable way to explore Barcelona. It is cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a car, and there is no need to worry about parking fees. Moreover, many bike rental companies offer affordable rates and discounts for longer rentals, making it an economical choice for exploring the city.
3. Eco-friendly
Biking is an eco-friendly way to explore Barcelona. It is a sustainable mode of transport that does not contribute to air pollution. Moreover, biking is a great way to reduce carbon emissions and promote a greener environment.
4. Convenient parking
Biking in Barcelona is convenient because there are plenty of places to park. There are numerous bike racks and parking spaces throughout the city, making it easy to find a place to park your bike. Moreover, many public transport stations have bike parking facilities, making it easy to combine biking with other modes of transport.
5. Faster than walking and public transport
Obviously, biking is faster than walking, but in many cases, it is also faster than going by public transportation. The metro system of the city often takes big detours to cover the whole city, this makes biking a more efficient means of transport when traveling directly to a destination. Moreover, biking is a great way to avoid traffic jams and congestion, especially during rush hour.
6. Healthy way to explore the city
Biking is a healthy way to explore the city. It is a great way to get some exercise while taking in the sights and sounds of Barcelona. Moreover, biking is a low-impact activity that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels
Good for the cause
Barcelona is in sixth place in deaths caused by pollution out of 1,000 European cities. By choosing efficient transportation with zero fuel consumption and zero carbon emissions such as bicycles, you contribute to reducing environmental pollution. Your choice helps to improve the air quality of the city as well as your health. Regular cycling improves your physical health, and in the "new normal," staying outside and distant from other commuters during your journey will keep you safer and healthier.
Should you get your own bike or use bike rental services in Barcelona?
We can talk all positive and passionate about Barcelona forever but let’s be honest about one issue. Theft is a problem in Barcelona, like in any other big metropolitan city. That's why even though cycling around the city provides you with good health and good conscience, it can also bring some anxiety over keeping your bicycle safe. If you have a secure lock for your bicycle that you trust more than anything else, go for it. But if you're looking for another option, we found you some good deals to rent a bike in Barcelona.
Bicing: Get a bicycle whenever and wherever you are
Bicing is a company based in Barcelona since 2007. They offer a bicycle-sharing system for people living in the Mediterranean city to reduce pollution and connect them with their daily frequently visited locations. They offer e-Bikes as well. Please note, that “Bicing”, is only for Spanish or those who own NIE. Read more about NIE in our blog!
Kleta: Your own bike with a monthly subscription
Kleta offers you an option to have your own bike in a cheaper way without buying one and worrying about theft or its maintenance. They encourage more people to use bicycles in their journeys and improve urban mobility for the better. Check them out here and get your bike asap!
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