Of course, there are traffic rules on Mallorca that cyclists must also follow. Anyone who violates them will be punished – and not too harshly.
The 20 most important traffic rules for cyclists according to the Spanish traffic authority (Dirección General de Tráfico – DGT) are as follows
1. Cell phone ON THE EAR? HEADPHONES? NO!
The use of cell phones is strictly forbidden while cycling. Also: earplugs! Why actually? Using headphones can be annoying! Also, the sounds in the immediate vicinity are perceived as worse, which can easily lead to accidents. Anything that restricts your vision or hearing is prohibited.
What would it cost if you did it anyway? 200,- Euro.
2. WARNING BRAKING IN FRONT OF THE CAR? BASICALLY NOT!
It is recommended to wave your arm in front of a sign to signal an emergency stop. For example, you could raise your arm to signal that you need to brake if you see a car coming up behind you. However, this is not necessary because letting go of the handlebars with one hand could occasionally be risky.
3. BIKE LANE OR ROAD?
Similar to Germany, bike lanes in Mallorca are usually marked in red. However, cyclists are not required to use the designated bike lanes here.
4. PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL WHILE CYCLING
Alcohol is absolutely forbidden. During controls, you may be required to submit to an alcohol test (mandatory). In reality, the same standards apply to cyclists here as to car drivers. Anyone whose breath contains more than 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per liter must pay: 500 to 1,000 euros.
5. Use of a child seat when cycling
You want to go on an excursion with your children by bicycle. Similar to Germany, the laws in this country are very strict: children are only allowed to ride on the back of another bike up to the age of seven, and even then only if the cyclist accompanying the child is at least the appropriate age and the child seat is approved. Violators face fines of about 100 euros.
6. LIGHTS GO OUT
You own a bike in Mallorca, but until now it was too inconvenient or inconvenient for you to buy lights. This could cost you a lot of money. You must wear bike lights front and rear when riding at night, in tunnels or short underpasses, or generally anywhere where visibility is poor. If you don’t, you risk a 200 euro fine!
7. PEDESTRIANS
Pedestrians have the right of way! When turning and crossing pedestrians, cyclists must yield the right of way. However, the pedestrian must be allowed to pass, even if there is no crosswalk. Otherwise, there is a 200 euro fine!
8. RIGHT OF WAY RULES
Motor vehicles must yield the right of way to bicycles! Cyclists have the right of way over motor vehicles on bike paths, bike lanes and on the shoulder. Otherwise, the law and signage apply, and you will be fined 200 euros if you fail to yield at an intersection.
9. ACTIVITIES WITH GROUPS OF CYCLISTS
Groups of bicyclists have the right of way at all other intersections, including traffic circles. As soon as the first bicycle turns into the intersection or traffic circle, this rule goes into effect. from the first rider to the last!
10. BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU START!
Observe the road you will be riding on before you start your bike. There should be no danger as other vehicles should be far enough away. Also, be sure to display the riding maneuver. Otherwise, you will face a fine of 200 euros.
11. Road signs
Cyclists must obey all traffic signs! Cyclists must also pay attention to traffic signs and vertical signs indicating right of way or speed limits. Fines for running a red light range from 150 to 500 euros.
12. MANEUVER ANNOUNCEMENT
Bicyclists are required to announce their intentions. Using their horizontal right arm or bent left arm, motorists must indicate when they are entering traffic, turning, or changing lanes or directions. Your fine for a violation is 200 euros.
13. BICYCLE HELMET
Wearing a bicycle helmet is recommended! Although not required, wearing a helmet is recommended. (Except on rural roads!) Rule #19 applies there. Under 16 year olds are an exception and must wear a helmet. Children are fined 200 euros if they do not wear a helmet.
14. CROSS THE CROSSWALK
Get off your bike at crosswalks! You must push your bike if you want to cross a crosswalk as a cyclist! Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine of 200 euros.
15. RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK
Bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones. Unless it is a shared bike/pedestrian path. Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited and is punishable by a fine of up to 100 euros.
16. RIGHT-HAND TRAFFIC
Cyclists in the city should maintain a safe distance from the curb and parked cars and ride as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway. Cyclists traveling in groups may only do so in a column of two. Violation of the restrictions may result in a fine of up to 100 euros.
17. VISIBILITY
Bicyclists should be visible to motorists from 150 meters away. To this end, they should wear reflective clothing and reflectors. Non-compliance may result in a fine of up to 80 euros.
18. ROAD SAFETY ON RURAL ROADS
Wearing a safety helmet is mandatory for all bicyclists on rural roads, with the following three exceptions: when riding on steep grades, when using a medical device, and when it is extremely hot outside. It is critical that the helmet fits properly and is always worn closed. You can spend up to 200 euros if you ride without a helmet.
19. Country roads
If there is a right shoulder on rural roads, cyclists must use it. Failure to use the hard shoulder is punishable by 200 euros. This should only be left on longer descents when conditions are safe.
20. RIDING SIDE BY SIDE
Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast on rural roads as long as the way is clear and there are no traffic jams. However, bicyclists should attempt to ride as far to the right as possible. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to 100 euros.
