Today on the Tamarit Motorcycles blog, we are going to try to help you answer a question that many motorcyclists ask themselves when navigating the streets of cities throughout Spain, especially in their own. Can I park my motorcycle on the sidewalk? And if so, under what conditions?
Coming home sweet home to find a business card (or that your bike wasn’t where you left it) isn’t exactly a pleasant surprise for anyone. But sometimes, parking on the street is necessary for whatever reason (no parking spots left, need to grab a quick coffee, etc.), and doubts arise. We’ve already answered the question about where to park your motorcycle in a previous blog post, and today we’re going to shed some light on a more specific issue within that: When can I park my motorcycle on the sidewalk?
General Rules
The first thing to note is that, fortunately or unfortunately, there is no general regulation regarding this matter, because vehicle parking regulations are delegated to each municipality.
In general, it’s important to note that you cannot park your Triumph motorcycle in places designated for bicycles, as is understandable, and neither in blue zones subject to specific hours.
Citing the Road Traffic Act, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety, which dates back to 2009 and underwent its latest amendment in 2009, Article 39.2 states that parking on sidewalks, promenades, and other areas intended for pedestrian passage is prohibited.
However, a ray of hope opens up for motorcyclists in a lower section, acknowledging the chronic lack of available parking spots that many of our cities face. Thus, the law stipulates that “Municipalities, through Municipal Ordinance, may regulate the stopping and parking of two-wheeled vehicles and mopeds on sidewalks and promenades provided that pedestrian traffic is not hindered or obstructed.”
Municipal Ordinances
When it comes to municipal ordinances, things get a bit chaotic, as you know that ignorance of the law generally does not exempt you from compliance…
In major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, for example, motorcycle parking is allowed on wide sidewalks, between 3 and 6 meters wide, as long as pedestrian passage and public services are not obstructed, preferably between tree pits and using common sense. However, if you plan to ride in a large city on your motorcycle, it’s advisable to quickly check the specific regulations. For instance, in Valencia since 2019, you need to ensure there isn’t specific parking within 50 meters. To illustrate another situation, the Madrid city council has been implementing rules that vary in certain areas and change frequently (based on criteria to improve pollution and neighborhood sustainability), such as riding in Madrid Central.
In other cities, these measures vary in units, conditions, or unfortunately, are not allowed at all, such as in Granada, Bilbao, or Alicante.
