The Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to significantly increase bicycle use across the 36 municipalities it governs. The plan, set to unfold between now and 2027, will leverage a combination of infrastructure subsidies, corporate partnerships, and technical training to embed cycling as a primary mode of transport for residents.
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This push is a central pillar of the AMB’s Metropolitan Action Plan (PAM) for 2024-2027, which prioritises the development of sustainable, low-emission mobility. As the city and its surroundings continue to tackle air quality challenges, this cycling initiative complements broader efforts such as the expansion of low-emission zones and investment in a greener public transport fleet.
The supra-municipal body is contracting external technical assistance, valued at €71,390, to successfully implement the strategy, according to a report by Metrópoli Abierta. This support will bolster the AMB’s Metropolitan Bicycle Office in its mission to normalise cycling in daily life.
A Network for the Metropolis
The plan’s key component is expanding the Bicivia network, an ambitious project creating over 550 kilometres of interconnected, safe, and direct cycle paths linking all metropolitan municipalities. The AMB will offer subsidies to local councils to accelerate the construction of new sections, helping to bridge existing gaps in the network and create a seamless cycling experience across the region.
The vision is for a continuous grid that allows a commuter to travel from, for example, Castelldefels to Badalona almost entirely on dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a more viable and attractive option for longer journeys.
Getting Businesses on Board
The strategy also strongly emphasises encouraging cycling for the daily commute. The Biciempresa programme, which facilitates bicycle loans to companies, will be enhanced.
Through this scheme, businesses can borrow a fleet of standard, electric, or folding bikes free of charge for six months to encourage their employees to cycle to work or for work-related trips. As Barna.News recently reported, the AMB has already provided over a hundred bikes to local companies under this initiative.
Additionally, the AMB will continue to organise the Premios Bicimpuls (Bik-impulse Awards). These awards celebrate and recognise the efforts of individuals, organisations, and companies that actively promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable transport solution within the metropolitan area.
Building Expertise and Awareness
Beyond physical infrastructure and corporate incentives, the plan includes a robust educational and promotional campaign. The contracted technical support will assist the Metropolitan Bicycle Office in organising technical workshops, informational sessions, and visits. The AMB also plans to increase its presence at municipal fairs and international congresses to share progress and contribute to European mobility projects.
This includes developing audiovisual materials, creating promotional content, and studying existing regulations to ensure a consistent and safe environment for cyclists. The broader goal is to shift public perception and equip both planners and the public with the knowledge to embrace cycling fully.
This multi-faceted strategy signals a significant commitment from the AMB to reshape urban mobility. As Barcelona sees e-bikes gaining popularity over e-scooters and invests heavily in green infrastructure like the future Sagrera hub, promoting pedal power is a logical and essential next step in its journey towards becoming a cleaner, more liveable metropolis.
