What's the law on helmets in Spain?

[Mile195]

So I'm in Andalucia at the moment. Haven't brought my bike, but there's one I can borrow. No helmet with it though.

A quick search of the Internet says helmets are mandatory unless you're cycling uphill or it's hot. Therefore it's never enforced (whether or not it's hot is rather subjective).

Another article says the law is changing so you must always wear one, but no indication that its happened yet.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience on this one? Thanks in advance!!

 

[nomdeplume]

Observations suggest that the helmet law is not enforced for motorcyclists in Spain, so it is unlikely that you will be 'done' as a cyclist. Personally I always wear a helmet and can see no reason to desist.

 

[Dave Davenport]

At the moment the helmet law doesn't seem to be enforced, we're touring for three weeks in August and won't be taking helmets. There is new legislation in the pipeline that, if implemented is likely to change things in the future though.

 

[numbnuts]

Just tell them “Your British” they will understand

 

[MarkF]

I've ridden all over Spain, never had a helmet with me at any time, I've had umpteen conversations regarding directions with the Guardia Civil, not once had my helmetless bonce been mentioned. It's currently a silly convoluted law that is impossible to implement even if the police had any real inclination to do so.

 

[compo]

You're British. Johnny foreigner's laws don't apply to you. If they mess with you that nice Mr William Hague will send a gunboat to sort them out.

 

[Mile195]

Thanks for the responses. Yes-to be fair, the whole country seems to be bogged down in pointless legislation from all the ex-pats I've spoken to. There's an awful lot of people in Spanish government who are trying to justify their jobs. This law is another example by the sounds of it.

I'd prefer to ride with a helmet, but I don't have mine and tomorrow's a bank holiday so I don't fancy my chances of finding somewhere to buy one. I think I may just try not to get hit or fall off!..

 

[Mile195]

...and I'm staying by the sea. What's that in the distance?? I think it might be Hague's boat right now... So it's decided. Bollocks to local laws and customs. Cycle I shall!!

 

[Yellow7]

On my last tour while coming down into Spain from the Pyrenees (so just in the country several minutes) I was collared by the police who were doing vehicle checks, you need to wear it outside large towns and cities, I put mine on.....for five minutes until around the next corner and never had any more issues while in Spain. A young policeman trying to get a few brownie-points would be more probable at stopping you, unless it's siesta time!!

 

[Roadrider48]

Why would any cyclist not want to wear a helmet?

 

[Dave Davenport]

Why would any cyclist not want to wear a helmet?

 

[rich p]

Why would any cyclist not want to wear a helmet?

May I refer the honourable gentleman here rather than clog up this peaceful section of the site with endless circular arguments.

 

[Roadrider48]

Arguments?

 

[andym]

Erm excuse me if I give a dull boring answer.

The law is that you have to wear a helmet if you are riding outside an urban area. There are what seem to be some very wide and very vague exemptions if it is very not or on long climbs.

There is now a proposal from the (IIRC) national traffic authority to extend the law to urban areas. I don't know what the process is for this proposal to become law, or what it's prospects are.

As people have said enforcement doesn't seem to be very vigorous.

I'm not sure I would believe everything you are told by British expats in Spain.

As to the question 'why would any cyclist not wear a helmet?' I can think of a number of reasons: all of them offensive and derogatory. So I'd better not.

 

[rich p]

Arguments?

I refer the honourable gentleman to my previous link