More space for cyclists and pedestrians: Mallorca plans around 60 km of safe routes

Five new routes, one clear goal: safe mobility

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It is still early, the sun is just touching the edges of the olive trees when the first cyclists roll past me on the MA-13. In the coming months, such morning rides on Mallorca should be noticeably more relaxed: The island council has earmarked almost 6.5 million euros for new foot and bike paths. Five additional connections along main roads are planned – including sections near Alaró, between Peguera and Camp de Mar, and in Felanitx.

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Why this matters

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People who live here know the tight spot at the town exit, the tractor that suddenly darts out from a side street, or the school buses waiting in front of the schools at 7:30 in the morning. Such spots will become safer in the future: the new so-called Viales Cívicos better separate pedestrians and cyclists from motor traffic and create space for families, commuters, and older people who no longer fear being overtaken by cars.

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Three routes are already in place and the experiences from them are now feeding into the planning: better path alignment, more signage, targeted lighting at intersections. Overall, it is expected that the island will end up with almost 60 kilometers of such paths – a mix of completely new sections and upgrades to existing edge lanes.

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How daily life will change

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Imagine you ride at 6 p.m. from Alaró toward Sóller, and instead of a narrow strip along the edge of the road, you have a wider, clearly marked path. Or you stroll to the market with the kids on the weekend and no longer have to constantly monitor the flowing traffic. Merchants in the villages also hope that relaxed walking will bring more customers – at the square, at the kiosk, in the bakery.

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Of course there is criticism: some residents prefer trees to be preserved, others ask for sufficient maintenance. The planners say maintenance contracts are part of the overall concept – small things like regular sweeping or replacing damaged bollards should be planned.

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What happens next

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The works are to begin gradually, with some sections already opening by the start of next year. Those who look closely can already see preliminary work: earth markings, initial lines, and survey stakes along the sides of the main roads. For commuters, that means short detours during construction, but in the long run more comfort. For me, the hope remains that more people will cycle to work in the end – and we will all glide a little more calmly through daily life.

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Brief outlook: More space for pedestrians and cyclists, about 60 km of network, five new sections by the start of next year, investment: around 6.5 million euros. Sounds like a good direction, at least here on the island.