Walter Finch
BRITISH bikers arriving in Spain are about to be given a lesson in how to drive on Spanish roads.
A whopping 20,000 motorcyclists are expected to arrive by ferry from the UK in the port of Cantabria this year – up 10% from 2023.
And authorities in Santander are taking steps to ensure their safety on the region’s scenic but sometimes challenging roads.
The biker club members and soloists will be handed glossy brochures detailing Spanish traffic regulations – including speed limits, drink and drug driving laws, helmet use, and safe riding practices.
READ MORE: Traveller attempts to fly from Madrid to southern Spain with 15 TARANTULAS in Tupperware containers
Over 1,000 brochures are being distributed to arriving two the two-wheeled Brits with the help of Brittany Ferries.
Jose Miguel Tolosa, the provincial traffic chief, emphasised the vulnerability of motorcyclists and pointed out how Cantabria’s winding roads often see a higher number of accidents.
Last year, there were seven motorcyclist fatalities on Cantabria’s roads, including one British national.
The new awareness campaign comes in response to the growing number of bikers who disembark by ferry in Santander.
Highway authorities have been concerned by recent statistics from the region, where 1,333 motorcycle accidents occurred between 2018 and 2023.
They resulted in 19 fatalities and 187 serious injuries and recent years have seen a significant increase in incidents, with annual figures tripling compared to 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The campaign is part of broader efforts to improve road safety and reduce accident rates among motorcyclists, particularly those unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
As part of the campaign’s activities, a regional motorcycle control initiative was conducted from May 6 to 12, resulting in 43 citations from 1,701 inspections.
It is hoped the ongoing focus on motorcycle safety will promote safer road behaviours and reduce casualties.
