Catalonia’s government will invest €190 million over the next four years, launching a major push to expand cycling infrastructure. This includes constructing 500 kilometres of new bike lanes and a network of secure parking facilities at train stations. Part of an updated Catalan Bicycle Strategy for 2026-2030, the plan aims to transform cycling from a leisure activity into a staple of daily transport across the region.
The ambitious goal is to elevate cycling to represent 8% of all daily trips. A recent Bicycle Barometer survey by the Generalitat, accessed by El Periódico, revealed six out of ten Catalans own a bicycle. Yet, its use for commuting remains minimal, with only 8% of owners cycling for regular travel. Young people aged 25 to 39 in cities over 100,000 inhabitants are the primary users, where one in five in that demographic cycles daily. The survey also highlights key barriers preventing wider adoption. Interaction with motorised traffic concerns 60% of respondents, followed by a lack of adequate cycling space (32%) and theft risk (30%). Significantly, 40% stated an expanded bike lane network would be crucial in encouraging them to cycle more often.
A Secure Solution for the ‘Last Mile’
A central pillar of this new strategy tackles the ‘first and last mile’ problem for commuters outside major urban centres. Currently, many drive to their local train station before continuing their journey on public transport. To provide a viable alternative, the government is rolling out ‘bicitancat’, a new model of secure bicycle parking.
A pilot project launched at the Rodalies station in Vilafranca del Penedès. This enclosed facility offers a two-tier system with 40 spaces for bicycles and 10 for scooters, alongside a self-repair station and 12 electrified lockers for personal belongings. The free service only requires a one-time registration with the local council for an access key. Designed for daily commuters, it enforces a three-day parking limit to ensure high turnover.
Following the pilot’s success, the government is proceeding with plans to install three more ‘bicitancats’ this month in Sant Celoni, Segur de Calafell, and Reus. Expanding this network will require close coordination with the national rail operator Renfe and infrastructure manager Adif, as the facilities are located on their property.
Connecting Towns and Creating a Cohesive Network
Beyond parking, the strategy strongly emphasises creating a connected, region-wide cycling network. Previously, policies often resulted in individual municipalities building a patchwork of disconnected lanes. This lack of inter-urban connectivity has hindered cycling for work, school, or accessing services in neighbouring towns.
“Until now, policies involved giving money to each municipality to lay out its bike lanes. Each managed projects internally, failing to guarantee connectivity between towns,” explained Marta Casar of the Bicicleta Club de Catalunya (BACC). She stressed the need for uniform, high-quality lanes, making people feel safe enough for daily journeys.
The new plan builds upon the previous 2022-2025 strategy, which completed 90 of a planned 150 kilometres of new lanes. Currently, projects under development will add another 70 kilometres, connecting towns like Castellar and Sabadell, Reus and Salou, and Montcada with La Llagosta and Mollet. The new funding will accelerate this work and also focus on creating cycle access to industrial estates.
An Integrated Vision for Mobility
This initiative forms part of a wider regional effort to promote sustainable and active mobility, mirroring the cycling promotion strategy recently unveiled for the Barcelona metropolitan area. Cycling advocacy groups, long advocating for such measures, have welcomed this news.
Marta Casar believes that as the new facilities prove their worth, “many more municipalities will want to adopt them.” She drew a parallel with Northern European countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, where secure bike parking at stations is standard. “There, not having one is like not having toilets,” she remarked.
The plan’s success will hinge on continued investment and the Generalitat’s ability to forge effective agreements with transport bodies like Renfe and Adif. This is a complex process, similar to recent negotiations over transferring the Rodalies train lines. If successful, it could mark a significant step towards a more integrated and sustainable public transport system for all of Catalonia.
