A stark gender divide in daily bicycle use persists across the Barcelona metropolitan area. New figures reveal women account for just 18% of cyclists, a disparity significantly wider than in Barcelona city itself, where women make up 30% of riders. One official has described this situation as a “brutal difference.”
The Metropolitan Bicycle Office of the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB) highlighted this data, painting a concerning picture of cycling inequality in the wider conurbation surrounding the Catalan capital. While the gender gap within Barcelona is well-documented-showing a ratio of seven men to every three women-the problem intensifies in its surrounding municipalities. A report in El Periódico notes that the trend in the city has also worsened, as women represented nearly four in ten cyclists as recently as 2021.
Ruth Lamas, head of the AMB’s Bicycle Office, called this “a brutal difference.” Lamas explained that the transport authority is committed to reversing this trend, and quantifying the problem is the first crucial step. She affirmed, “To reduce the gap, the first and most important thing is to understand the situation.”
The Safety Divide
Both men and women cyclists express the same primary demand when surveyed: better infrastructure, specifically more and well-maintained bike lanes. However, a deeper look reveals that the perception of safety critically and disproportionately affects women’s decision to cycle.
Narrow or frequently interrupted bike lanes, or the complete absence of dedicated cycling paths, act as significant deterrents. Conversely, physically segregated bike lanes boost confidence. Lamas explained, “Women on bikes tend to go slower, and there must be enough space for us to be overtaken. If not, we don’t feel safe.” She also noted that new infrastructure projects are now designed with greater width to accommodate all types of cycles and users, including children.
This infrastructure focus is central to the AMB’s broader transport goals. These goals include initiatives like the addition of electric buses to the metropolitan fleet and a comprehensive cycling promotion strategy aimed at improving active mobility across the region.
A Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Choice
Experts argue these figures reflect systemic failures rather than individual preferences. Marta Casal, spokesperson and board member of the Bicicleta Club de Catalunya (BACC), agreed, stating, “There is a gap that we have to break. The need for greater safety is not reflected in the infrastructure, and this impacts women more.”
“This is not a matter of choice; there are reasons behind these differences.”
– Marta Casal, Bicicleta Club de Catalunya (BACC)
Casal highlighted several recurring problems that erode confidence, particularly for women. These include drivers illegally parking cars and vans in bike lanes with impunity, and cycle paths that end abruptly, forcing riders into dangerous traffic. The BACC observes that women’s daily cycling trips tend to be shorter, often linked to local errands or school runs. These trips require safe, continuous neighbourhood networks-the very infrastructure frequently lacking outside the city centre.
The push for safer, more equitable public spaces is a recurring theme in the city. It is frequently highlighted during events like the annual International Women’s Day marches and reflected in urban renewal projects, such as the plan to make Plaça Adrià car-free.
Bridging the Gap Through Education
Beyond infrastructure, the AMB has identified another barrier: a lack of cycling proficiency and confidence among certain demographics. Lamas noted, “Many women do not know how to ride a bike or do not feel able to ride in the city,” adding that the area’s diverse and growing population brings different cultural relationships with cycling.
To address this, the AMB has launched training courses specifically for adult women and residents from diverse backgrounds. Over the past year, these programmes have been implemented in municipalities like L’Hospitalet, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Montcada i Reixac.
This approach combines ‘hard’ infrastructure improvements with ‘soft’ measures like education, aiming to build a more inclusive cycling culture. While women’s participation surges in other areas, such as the record number of female members at city sports centres, the data shows that making two-wheeled transport a viable option for all will require sustained and targeted effort.
