Zaragoza’s city council has proposed making insurance mandatory for all cyclists and electric scooter users, a move that has sparked outrage among cycling advocacy groups and environmentalists.
The measure, proposed by the far-right party Vox and approved by the conservative People’s Party (PP), aims to address concerns about ‘legal uncertainty’ in the event of accidents involving cyclists.
However, organizations like Colectivo Pedalea and Conbici have strongly condemned the proposal, questioning its legality and arguing that it lacks justification based on accident statistics. They also emphasize that many cyclists are already covered for accidents through other policies, and that the measure could discourage eco-friendly transportation.
Insurers estimate that the mandatory insurance would cost cyclists around €20 per year, but its final approval is still uncertain. The proposed measure is currently undergoing a 30-day public consultation period before it can be formally adopted.
The controversy in Zaragoza reflects a larger trend of backlash against sustainable transport and climate-friendly policies in Spain and other parts of Europe. Some right-wing-controlled city councils have resisted implementing low-emission zones and removed bike lanes, leading to an investigation by the European Commission into potential misuse of EU funding.
Similar controversies have erupted in other countries, with the UK government pledging to stop ‘anti-car measures’ and Berlin’s ruling coalition halting cycle lane projects to prioritize parking spaces. These debates highlight the ongoing political wrangling over the future of sustainable transportation and its impact on air quality and public health.
