Spain introduces public bike-sharing subsidies to promote sustainable mobility

Source: Cycling Industry News

The Spanish government has announced plans to reduce bike-sharing costs and invest in expanding its infrastructure.

For this new initiative, the Spanish Council of Ministers has approved funding to cover 30% of the typical costs associated with public bicycle loan services. This subsidy will enable users to take unlimited trips within a specified time frame throughout 2025. Additionally, local authorities will have the opportunity to enhance these benefits by offering an extra 20% discount through their own budgets.

Jesús Freire, Secretary General of AMBE (Spain’s Association of Bicycle Brands), welcomed the initiative, stating:
“At AMBE we celebrate the fact that shared bicycles are considered an integral part of the transport system, hence our support for this measure and the expansion of these systems to those cities and towns where they are not available, as well as the improvement of existing services, through their electrification and expansion of the number of bicycles and stations.”

Investment in infrastructure and expansion

In addition to user subsidies, the government’s program includes financial support for the development of bike-sharing infrastructure. Grants will cover at least 40% of the total cost of new infrastructure, with specific criteria for funding allocation. Bike-sharing stations must be located within 200 meters of town centers, and priority will be given to areas where such services are not yet available. The expected frequency of bicycle use will also be a determining factor in selecting grant recipients.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility, particularly for short-distance urban travel. According to data from Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the majority of urban and metropolitan journeys are under 10 kilometers, making bicycles a viable and efficient mode of transportation. Furthermore, the increasing use of electric bicycles is expected to help overcome barriers related to topography and physical effort, making cycling more accessible to a wider population.

The Spanish government has stated that detailed guidelines and application procedures for these grants will be published in the near future. Local Spanish authorities interested in securing funding are advised to prepare their proposals promptly to ensure access to this financial support in 2025.

By investing in bike-sharing initiatives and infrastructure, Spain seeks to enhance urban mobility while reducing carbon emissions, for its efforts in aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals.