Spain's DGT offers training courses for cyclists

With this in mind, the DGT is organising a basic cycling course on its Aula Abierta online platform, designed for anyone who intends to cycle in urban areas. The course takes place from 12 to 21 December and registration is open until Sunday, 27 November. Those who participate in the online course will receive a certificate.

The course will be in Spanish and will include short videos and complementary information to help new cyclists to learn the basics and help experienced cyclists to discover new, more efficient and safe techniques.

It also includes a forum for questions and answers, where those taking part can share their experiences, and there will also be tests to make sure that the information given is being understood.

There are new rules which some users may not be aware of and penalties for failing to comply can be severe. For example, earphones, mobile phones and other devices must not be used on electric scooters or ebikes, and speed limits and drug and alcohol limits apply to cyclists and those who use personal mobility devices.

Helmets are compulsory, and cyclists are not permitted to rise on the pavement, motorways, dual carriageways or in urban tunnels, among others. There are also plans to make reflective clothing obligatory, and issue special permits and certificates for electric scooters.