Spain explicitly allows cyclists to ride two abreast, in formation, keeping to the hard shoulder and as far right as the road allows. Three or more abreast is a fineable offence. Where visibility is limited — a blind corner, a crest — or where the traffic behind you starts backing up, form a single file.
From 1 October 2026, Real Decreto 518/2026 addresses the case Mallorca throws at you constantly: where there is no usable hard shoulder, a pair may occupy the part of the carriageway it needs. Single file still applies in poor visibility and in bad weather.
The same reform adds a descent rule that reads as though written for the Tramuntana: on prolonged descents with curves, where safety permits, cyclists may leave the hard shoulder and ride on the carriageway, except on autovías. On Sa Calobra and the Coll dels Reis that is the difference between fighting a gravel-strewn shoulder and holding a clean line.
Not yet in force
Changes from 1 October 2026
Two abreast where there is no usable shoulder
Interurban roads
Until 30 September 2026Two abreast on the hard shoulder, as far right as possible; single file where visibility is poor or traffic backs up.
From 1 October 2026Two abreast stays, and where there is no usable hard shoulder a pair may take the part of the carriageway it needs. Single file still applies in poor visibility and in bad weather.
Real Decreto 518/2026, de 24 de junio (BOE-A-2026-13889)
Leaving the shoulder on long descents
Interurban roads
Until 30 September 2026No equivalent rule exists today — this is a new duty.
From 1 October 2026On prolonged descents with curves, and where safety allows, cyclists may leave the hard shoulder and use the carriageway — not on autovías. This is the change that matters on Sa Calobra and across the Tramuntana.
Real Decreto 518/2026, de 24 de junio (BOE-A-2026-13889)
Source:Reglamento General de Circulación (BOE-A-2003-23514)
Common questions
1.5-metre overtaking rule and motorist obligations+
A driver overtaking you must leave at least 1.5 m of lateral space. From 1 October 2026 they must also drop to at least 20 km/h below the limit on interurban roads and change lane completely where their direction has more than one.
Hand signals required for every turn and stop+
You must signal every turn, lane change and stop with the arm, well in advance. Most road incidents in Mallorca involve missed signals at junctions.
This guide summarises the regulations in plain language but is not legal advice. Laws change — always follow the official citation linked on each page.