Urban mobility disputes arise in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alicante

Local authorities in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alicante are addressing conflicts regarding the use of public paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Local Police have begun issuing fines to cyclists and users of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) who continue to use the old bike path route on Avenida Gasteiz. Following recent infrastructure reforms, the bicycle lanes were moved to the roadway to separate them from sidewalks, aiming to reduce conflicts with pedestrians and improve safety in high-traffic commercial areas. Security Councilor César Fernández de Landa emphasized that the reform was designed to better organize public space and ensure sidewalks remain reserved for pedestrian use.

In Alicante, a controversy has emerged regarding the Benimagrell path near Torres de la Huerta. While a 2013 agreement intended to reserve the path for pedestrians and cyclists, current local government proposals suggest transitioning the area into a road to serve as a shortcut for motorists avoiding main avenues. Technical reports indicate that previous attempts to physically block vehicle access were unsuccessful, as drivers bypassed barriers, leading to discussions about whether the path can effectively remain a pedestrian-priority zone without significant design changes.