It is dangerous to ride a bike in Madrid

What? You want to know the best way to get around central Madrid?

Well, if you’re thinking of moving around Madrid on a bike, I’d think again. 

You see, Madrid is not a bike-friendly city at the moment. 

Madrileños, as they are known here, like to move around by car, motorbike or scooter. 

They see bicycles as an inferior form of transport. 

And we’re also a bit aggressive when we drive and don’t like to share our roads. 

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that the city council doesn’t want you to ride a bike. 

In fact, they have set up a scheme for you to do it. The bikes are electric so you won’t have to pedal up all those hilly streets.

You’ll even find a private company offering you bikes here too. So it’ll be tempting not to hop on a bike. 

There are few dedicated bike lanes in the city centre. Most of the time you’ll have to share your lane with cars, motorbikes, and even the odd bus. 

You will, however, have a priority spot at most traffic lights but be prepared to share this area too. Other road users will think you have an unfair advantage and pull up beside you. 

And be careful of pedestrians. They often cross the road here where and when they shouldn’t. And they won’t respect dedicated bike lanes either. 

THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND

If you ask me, the best way to get around Madrid is the Metro. It will take you everywhere you need to go but you won’t see the city as you move. 

If you want to see life on Madrid streets as you move you’ll have to take a bus or a taxi. 

Buses are great but traffic might make you late. Taxis have the same problem and they are expensive. 

I’d say the best way to get around Madrid is on foot. Take in the sights and get a feel for the city as you walk around Madrid’s best neighbourhoods like Chueca, Malasaña, La Latina, and Salamanca. 

The most important thing is that you enjoy your time in Madrid and get home safely. Why take the risk of getting injured on a bike? 

I’ll let you know if the city becomes more bike-friendly but for the time being, stick to other forms of transport. 

Suerte!