Barcelona’s green axes programme has produced sharply contrasting safety outcomes across the four transformed Eixample streets, according to a new Guardia Urbana report. The pedestrianisation of Consell de Cent, Rocafort, Girona and Comte de Borrell under former mayor Ada Colau’s administration has reduced overall accidents by 74.58% on Consell de Cent, 57.89% on Girona and 87.50% on Rocafort. However, Comte de Borrell recorded a 50% increase in incidents. The urban redesign has prioritised pedestrians and sustainable mobility while creating new safety challenges.
Safety Improvements and Concerns
Accident data shows significant reductions in collisions across most transformed streets. Consell de Cent saw accidents drop from 59 to 15 between 2021 and 2024. Rocafort experienced an even steeper decline from 16 to just 2 incidents. Bicycle accidents fell 44.4% on Consell de Cent while personal mobility vehicle incidents dropped from 11 to zero. The council said the changes have produced less severe injuries when accidents occur. However, pedestrian collisions have increased notably on two streets despite the 10km/h speed limit.
Pedestrian Safety Challenges
The report indicates pedestrian collisions rose substantially on Girona and Comte de Borrell. Girona recorded four pedestrian incidents in 2024 compared to one in 2021. Comte de Borrell saw two pedestrian collisions last year after having none in 2021-2022. Guardia Urbana analysis suggests drivers failing to respect crossings and reduced attention while driving contribute to these increases. The transformation comes as housing and urban policy remains contentious in Barcelona’s governance.
Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration has ruled out creating additional green axes following this mixed safety assessment. The urban changes have eliminated certain accident types including side and frontal collisions. Meanwhile, the city continues balancing mobility priorities as seen in recent transport enforcement initiatives. The future of Barcelona’s street transformations will likely incorporate these safety lessons.
Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel to get all of the news delivered to you
