Advanced Driving Hub

As and when people can travel they may wish to be aware of new rules in Spain:

The allowance of speed limit +20kph for overtaking has gone.
Cyclists must now be give at least a 2metre clearance and the speed for overtaking them has been reduced. The maximum speed to overtake cyclists is now speed limit -20kph. It is taken very seriously.
Fines for mobile use have increased, a lot (You must be clear of the road surface to use one) a mask may not be hung from a rear view mirror or laid on the dashboard.
You may also be fined for clothing/masks that reduce your visual range or restrict movement.
In Spain it has been pedestrian priority for many years but the fines for not stopping at the many crossings, have increased markedly.
Lots of new speed controls which already include average speed cameras and now, drones.

The use of personal mobility scooters is banned from pavements and the general rules of the roads apply to them (alcohol/drugs etc) though a helmet is not compulsory.

A good point is that many tolls on roads are due to be abolished.

Some cities, notably Barcelona, require compliance with emission regulation before entering (mostly on weekdays) and a sticker system is in operation.

Does that mean you effectively can't overtake cyclists in urban areas? Or does the -20kph thing only apply on higher speed limit roads?

What about the rules for cyclists overtaking cars? (either in city traffic, or coming down a pyreneean col )

jont- wrote:Does that mean you effectively can't overtake cyclists in urban areas? Or does the -20kph thing only apply on higher speed limit roads?

What about the rules for cyclists overtaking cars? (either in city traffic, or coming down a pyreneean col )

I don't believe it means only higher limit roads.
However, there is a certain respect between different roads users which may not be found elsewhere.
It's a mixed bag.

jont- wrote:Does that mean you effectively can't overtake cyclists in urban areas? Or does the -20kph thing only apply on higher speed limit roads?

What about the rules for cyclists overtaking cars? (either in city traffic, or coming down a pyreneean col )

It is generally accepted that at roundabouts you give way to cyclists, irrespective of the direction they are coming from.
Trust me I have often been overtaken by a group of cyclists downhill. It is very much give and take and almost always good natured.
If you move over to let a motorcyclist overtake you are almost invariably thanked with a quick wave or a leg out.

sussex2 wrote:
If you move over to let a motorcyclist overtake you are almost invariably thanked with a quick wave or a leg out.

The leg waggle has caught on over here. However, I'm not sure whether many drivers appreciate it's intended as a 'thank you' and might, instead, interpret as aggressive. Also, being low, so drivers may not even see it.

Horse wrote:

sussex2 wrote:
If you move over to let a motorcyclist overtake you are almost invariably thanked with a quick wave or a leg out.

The leg waggle has caught on over here. However, I'm not sure whether many drivers appreciate it's intended as a 'thank you' and might, instead, interpret as aggressive. Also, being low, so drivers may not even see it.

So low? I can often look up to see it from the Caterham

The caterham gets a lot of positive acknowledgement from bikers on the continent, even when passing the other way. But I do wish more would make use of their mirrors in the twisties and show some reciprocal cooperation that they seem to expect from drivers in other situations.

A favourite bikers route and would also have been excellent in my now sold MX5.
The scenery is stunning and the road quality very good.
It would be an ideal route for those who don't want to chase down motorways from France into Spain.
The best bit is that it can be 33c and humid on the coast (or a fan oven on high in places like Lleida) then 22c dry and fine in Vielha (Where we head for in summer).
Roads in the area are heavily policed by local/state/national police who work in collaboration with their French counterparts.
A weekend will find the area packed with motorbikes and I cannot blame them one bit.

http://moturisme.aralleida.com/en/route ... route.html

sussex2 wrote:A favourite bikers route and would also have been excellent in my now sold MX5.
The scenery is stunning and the road quality very good.
It would be an ideal route for those who don't want to chase down motorways from France into Spain.
The best bit is that it can be 33c and humid on the coast (or a fan oven on high in places like Lleida) then 22c dry and fine in Vielha (Where we head for in summer).
Roads in the area are heavily policed by local/state/national police who work in collaboration with their French counterparts.
A weekend will find the area packed with motorbikes and I cannot blame them one bit.

http://moturisme.aralleida.com/en/route ... route.html

Oh yes. Driven that in both the Caterham and BRZ, lovely part of the world. In fact most of the N260 is pretty good. And if you're there, it's not far to drop down into Bagneres-du-Luchon and drive the hill climb up to super bagneres.

jont- wrote:

sussex2 wrote:A favourite bikers route and would also have been excellent in my now sold MX5.
The scenery is stunning and the road quality very good.
It would be an ideal route for those who don't want to chase down motorways from France into Spain.
The best bit is that it can be 33c and humid on the coast (or a fan oven on high in places like Lleida) then 22c dry and fine in Vielha (Where we head for in summer).
Roads in the area are heavily policed by local/state/national police who work in collaboration with their French counterparts.
A weekend will find the area packed with motorbikes and I cannot blame them one bit.

http://moturisme.aralleida.com/en/route ... route.html

Oh yes. Driven that in both the Caterham and BRZ, lovely part of the world. In fact most of the N260 is pretty good. And if you're there, it's not far to drop down into Bagneres-du-Luchon and drive the hill climb up to super bagneres.

We escape the summer heat up there at Vielha and outside the ski season it is quiet and relaxed. The river Garonne flows through the town on its way to Bordeaux and the sea.
There are hot water springs and a very decent real ale bar in town - website below.
Some hotels specialise in bikers and have secure lock ups for their machines - website below.
The general standard of driving is high and I reckon because of the changeable weather.
It is a long way from the 'Costas' and a lovely part of Europe.
The people are sufficiently different and decent and friendly.

http://www.refubirreria.com/

https://www.hotelriunere.com/

sussex2 wrote:We escape the summer heat up there at Vielha and outside the ski season it is quiet and relaxed. The river Garonne flows through the town on its way to Bordeaux and the sea.
There are hot water springs and a very decent real ale bar in town - website below.
Some hotels specialise in bikers and have secure lock ups for their machines - website below.
The general standard of driving is high and I reckon because of the changeable weather.
It is a long way from the 'Costas' and a lovely part of Europe.
The people are sufficiently different and decent and friendly.

http://www.refubirreria.com/

https://www.hotelriunere.com/

Thanks, noted for next time I'm allowed to drive to the area. I preferred to stay in France since I speak (some) French but no spanish. If you like beers, the Brasserie-du-Venasque have some great beers and were available in the supermarkets in BdL.