The Spanish government aims to promote cycling for the daily commute under a statewide plan called the Bicycle Strategy. This approach seeks to boost cycling as a viable mobility option while highlighting its benefits for public health and the environment. An expected outcome is that companies may offer incentives to employees who ride to work, a model already adopted in some European nations.
“The bicycle is more than just a way to get around. It contributes to livability, health, environmental quality, equality, and social cohesion. It creates space for both cyclists and non-cyclists and helps reduce air and noise pollution.”
Within this framework, the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) is exploring ways to coordinate policies and actions through a comprehensive Bicycle Strategy. The goal is to integrate mobility improvements with health benefits, recreational and sports use, business development, and cycling-based tourism, forming a foundation for a broader shift in daily transport practices.
The initiative also seeks corporate participation. As one official notes, the ripple effect of promoting cycling at work extends beyond individual choices to corporate cultures that encourage cycling as a practical commuting option.
Additional income of up to 1,500 euros per year
The Bicycle Strategy proposes updating tax rules to treat cycling as a work-related benefit comparable to other employer-provided transportation options. This would enable companies to view cycling as a legitimate employee benefit aligned with sustainable mobility goals.
France and the Netherlands are already implementing related measures. Reports indicate that employees can receive around 800 euros in France and up to 1,500 euros in the Netherlands per year for cycling to work. Spain would need legislative changes to adopt similar incentives.
Other measures in these countries include tax incentives or discounts financed by employers for purchasing bicycles, as well as schemes to replace older vehicles with two-wheel options.
In Spain, the Bicycle Strategy currently emphasizes promotional campaigns and corporate outreach to promote sustainable mobility planning and bicycle-friendly practices. It describes a set of good practices that companies may adopt as part of a broader effort to embed cycling in daily transportation.
Additional recommendations call for flexible working hours and safe parking for bikes, enabling riders to move around according to personal circumstances. Proposals also include establishing shower facilities and bike repair spaces, and extending bike lanes to workplaces to improve safety and convenience.
Lend bikes to employees
Mitma envisions companies purchasing bicycles to lend to employees, supporting municipal bicycle-sharing programs and launching campaigns to encourage daily bicycle use. The plan also suggests training in sustainable mobility, prioritizing suppliers who engage in cycle-friendly parcel deliveries, and participating in professional networks focused on sustainable transport to strengthen a positive corporate image focused on cycling.
The government also proposes incentives for staff who choose active mobility on business trips funded by companies, along with agreements with other firms to offer purchase discounts and other perks.
Other items on the list include organizing after-hours networking events in bike-friendly spaces and obtaining certifications such as Cycling Zone from the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation or Bike Friendly Employer from the European Cyclists Federation to validate workplace commitment to cycling.
Currently, Spain’s law requires only large employers with more than 500 workers to develop sustainable mobility plans. The government has allocated hundreds of millions of euros from European NextGeneration funds to help municipalities and autonomous communities promote cycling.
Bicycle Strategy details are available through official channels and summarize ongoing efforts to advance cycling in daily life. For readers seeking more information, official summaries cite Mitma as the primary source of the strategy and related initiatives, including ongoing campaigns and collaboration with regional authorities. [Source: Mitma]