Biking The Sights In Barcelona
Cycling is one of the main ways people get around in flat countries like the Netherlands, France and Germany as the land is level and cycleways are established, but it\’s never been as popular in Spain where there are more hills and not as many cycling routes provided. However, more and more residents, and tourists, have been turning to their bikes as pedal power becomes increasingly fashionable for exercise and for the environment, and as the city\’s mild and sunny climate is perfect for outdoor activities, and there is the added attraction of getting around without spending money on petrol, its appeal is obvious.
Whereas just a few years ago it was uncommon to see people cycling in Barcelona, urban cycling is now in demand and these days bikes are quite a regular sight around the city centre. And for the residents it couldn\’t have come any sooner as reports claim it\’s one of the most polluted cities in Europe – the more people hop on their bikes the less cars are on the road leading to a reduction in pollution.
The city council are also doing their bit towards encouraging people to find more environmentally-friendly methods of travel, they have introduced a bike-sharing initiative which has been eagerly received. Providing over 6,000 free public bikes throughout the city the ‘bicing scheme\’ enables free bikes to be picked up and dropped off again later at various locations. Residents pay around
