The latest major development in motorcycle traffic legislation comes from Spain, or at least it looks like it will be very soon. The measure will allow motorcyclists to ride on roadsides in certain situations and as long as they comply with certain rules.
The potential change in legislation comes after sales of motorcycles in Spain increased by 12.4% in 2023, which was the biggest increase recorded in the last 15 years. And, after an expected slowdown due to economic concerns, sales continued to rise in 2024, year on year.
Spanish roads are full of motorcycles and, in recent years, motorcyclists have asked for one thing: that they use the lane.
If, for example, you’re driving in a high-traffic urban area, many motorists expect motorcyclists to break away from the carriageway and free up the flow of traffic. But now that Spain is experiencing a two-wheeled boom, lane splitting may not be enough to keep things running smoothly, so motorcyclists want to use the lane.
If approved, the upgrade should be formalized by 2025 and will allow motorcyclists to ride in the hard shoulder when traffic is slow or at a standstill. Motorcyclists may not exceed 30 km/h and must give way to cyclists, agricultural vehicles and emergency vehicles. This could mean the end of lane splitting in Spain, at least in some situations.
At first glance, it seems like a great plan, but I imagine that some motorcyclists won’t take advantage of the new law, at least initially.
Source:https://www.rideapart.com/news/720319/spain-hard-shoulder-motorcyclists/