Helmets in Spain: €100 fine

[Crandoggler]

Just a few more laws that differ from the U.K.

You must carry ID and present it when asked by a police officer. You will be detained until they can prove your identity, and charge you for the privilege.

It's an offence to challenge a police officer or argue with them.

You aren't allowed to carry your groceries in a convertible.

I'm afraid that it's their country and they can make any laws they want. It brings it back to the simple and easiest thing to do whilst travelling. If you don't like it, don't go. If you want to go, obide by the local laws.

It seems when people travel afar they are more than happy to obide local traditions, cultural choices and laws. Yet when we travel to Europe, we seem to believe it's the same there as it is here.

 

[Crackle]

You aren't allowed to carry your groceries in a convertible

OK, wow. That's easily the best law. Imagine though if your avocado left the passenger seat at high speed and brained a bystander. Quite sensible really.

 

[Crandoggler]

OK, wow. That's easily the best law. Imagine though if your avocado left the passenger seat at high speed and brained a bystander. Quite sensible really.

Bloody right! I hear they're trying to push for an actual law regarding siesta's too. My kind of country.

 

[Poacher]

Just a few more laws that differ from the U.K.

You must carry ID and present it when asked by a police officer. You will be detained until they can prove your identity, and charge you for the privilege.

It's an offence to challenge a police officer or argue with them.

You aren't allowed to carry your groceries in a convertible.

I'm afraid that it's their country and they can make any laws they want. It brings it back to the simple and easiest thing to do whilst travelling. If you don't like it, don't go. If you want to go, obide by the local laws.

It seems when people travel afar they are more than happy to obide local traditions, cultural choices and laws. Yet when we travel to Europe, we seem to believe it's the same there as it is here.

That can't be true, shirley? They're members of the EU, and therefore can't make their own laws, as all legislation is imposed by faceless bureaucrats in Brussels.
Boris says so, therefore it must be true. I'm absolutely fed up of making separate journeys to the greengrocers if I want to buy more than three bananas! (and as for recycling my teabags!!!!)

 

[Crandoggler]

That can't be true, shirley? They're members of the EU, and therefore can't make their own laws, as all legislation is imposed by faceless bureaucrats in Brussels.
Boris says so, therefore it must be true. I'm absolutely fed up of making separate journeys to the greengrocers if I want to buy more than three bananas! (and as for recycling my teabags!!!!)

Ha! Fair one.

 

[steveindenmark]

But the law does not say you must wear a helmet, it's a little more complicated than that, people do not "know the score".


Spain 2004 Required on interurban routes except when going uphill or in very hot weather, or for professional cyclists.

"The Spanish helmet law came into effect from 23rd January 2004. It applies to bicycle riders of all ages. However it does not apply: to cyclists riding in towns and cities; during periods of extreme heat; when riding up steep hills; or to professional cyclists."

The law does say you must wear a helmet but then gives exceptions. I ride in Majorca occasionally and made sure I knew what the helmet law was before I went. You cannot rely on the Spanish police to turn a blind eye and so to make sure you don't get caught, wearing a helmet is the only option.

 

[fossyant]

I find it hard to ride without a helmet in heat. I use a skull cap to soak sweat, that the helmet vents wick it away (glasses wearer). Sweat down my face/glasses can be a big issue. The other solution is a buff, pirate style !

 

[ianrauk]

The other solution is a buff, pirate style !

As a non plastic hat wearer.. A buff Pirate stylee works very well to dissipate sweat.

 

[jonyjony]

I should be ok anywhere with my new invention right ? Just got to nod my head .

 

[doog]

Maybe @classic33 is playing games here. While it most certainly isn't a legal requirement in the UK for bicycles to have a bell, other than at the point of sale for a substantially complete bike ... it's possible that it may be a requirement in Spain, which may be what @classic33 is cryptically referring to. I CBA to check that though.

Well it is a thread about Spain. When you read their first post back it kinda makes sense as he/ she directly quotes a post about Spain..

The assumption that it was UK law was made by someone else..and then it was all Chinese whispers and a bandwagon started rolling of people wanting to argue the toss as usual..

I didnt know about bells in Spain btw was aware of helmet law so always take one.

 

[Spinney]

I was just trying to stop it descending into an argument. My personal 'bell' is also "Oi!"

 

[doog]

I was just trying to stop it descending into an argument. My personal 'bell' is also "Oi!"

Agree - no arguments allowed on the Touring forum pretty please .Its a small corner of sanity, good manners and most of all inspiration for those wanting to escape the humdrum of daily life....the last dust up was probably over the battery life of a phone on tour or something equally dramatic.

 

[MarkF]

I am cycling in Spain now, been to Terrassa today, BCN tonight, I tour in Spain nearly every year and the police are often the most useful source of directions for me (seeing as they are often parked up and doing fa).

I've never owned a helmet and not once has a lack of a helmet been mentioned. Spain has a convoluted helmet law and IMO you would have to be pretty unlucky to meet a policeman prepared to tackle you on it. A shame about the Crazy guy rider, but here l am in Spain, sans helmet as usual, no problems.

 

[ianrauk]

@MarkF & @User259
Interesting reading guys. I'm off to Spain in September for a weeks cycling. I was thinking of having to buy a magic plastic hat just for the trip... looks like I now won't have to. Happy to risk a crappy fine.

 

[MarkF]

@MarkF & @User259
Interesting reading guys. I'm off to Spain in September for a weeks cycling. I was thinking of having to buy a magic plastic hat just for the trip... looks like I now won't have to. Happy to risk a crappy fine.

Stick a bit of old Velcro on your rack, tell 'em the magic hat was nicked outside the supermecado in the last town.....

Girona today, bloody windy at the mo'!