The Madrid City Council aims to encourage bicycle use as a means of transportation. To this end, the city has operated BiciMAD since 2014—a public bike-sharing system integrated into the Spanish capital's transit network. Now, the program will be free for trips of up to 30 minutes.
Through BiciMAD, tourists and residents could already rent bicycles for periods of one to five days. However, starting this Tuesday (7), the service becomes free of charge, a benefit scheduled to run through July 31. This marks the transition period between the old and new systems as the program is relaunched and expanded into several neighborhoods.
As part of the system's upgrade, the bicycles have been modernized. Made from recycled aluminum, the new model is more manageable, ergonomic, and designed to improve the user experience. With a 70-kilometer range, the bike features a centrally located 250W motor; a three-speed gear system that provides progressive assistance without sudden jolts; an LCD display showing speed and battery status; and the battery itself, integrated into the frame for greater security. Additionally, they feature a "vandal-proof design" with puncture-resistant tires and an anti-theft mechanism integrated into the chassis.
The new fleet is being rolled out gradually, ultimately reaching 7,500 bicycles to replace the previous 2,964. The number of stations will also increase from 264 to 611, serving 21 districts across Madrid.
The free subscription is activated via MPass, a single post-paid account system that allows users to access services from the Municipal Transport Company (which includes buses, parking lots, BiciMAD, and bicycle parking). Following the transition period, regular pricing will resume.
BiciMAD
The BiciMAD system previously consisted of electric bikes concentrated primarily in the central region. A study by the Polytechnic University of Madrid had already pointed out that this central concentration boosted ridership mainly among young, college-educated men with relatively high incomes, reflecting the demographic of those who live or work in the area, where housing costs are higher. By expanding the program, bicycle use will be encouraged in other regions, diversifying the user demographic.
The goal is to encourage more people to adopt this alternative mode of transportation, which, in addition to being non-polluting, helps ease traffic congestion. The electric model reduces physical effort, especially on uphills, further encouraging those who do not regularly ride bikes.
This urban mobility project is part of the city's Madrid 360 Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
