Over 620 special road signs are going to be posted around the island to provide greater information for cyclists about road safety, the Council of Majorca has announced.
The tragic death of the German cyclist just over a week ago has brought the issue of road safety to the top of the agenda, considering that some 100,000 cyclists come to the island every year heading to population destinations such as Playa de Palma, Calvia, Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada, Alcudia and Pollensa.
The funding for the campaign, 370,678 euros, is going to come from the tourist tax bank and will be rolled out in three phases. The primary initiative is to have sign posts and information boards in each municipality, indicating the safest cycle routes. For example, the road on which last week’s fatal accident occurred is not considered suitable for cyclists. This is the kind of information which is going to be provided.
Information regarding suitable rest stops will also be provided, and town/village centres will be remodelled to cater for the needs of cyclists. There will, for example, be special areas where bicycles can be parked securely and without causing an obstacle for the general public.
Information will also be provided about the safest routes to use to get from one municipality to another without having to use the busy main roads.
The councillor for infrastructure, Mercedes Garrido, says: "Providing cyclists with as much information with regard to safety and security is our main intention and it is vital for the welfare of the booming industry. A large number of roads on Majorca are not suitable for cyclists and we want to share that information so we reduce the number of accidents and also increase the level of goodwill and understanding between vehicle drivers and cyclists."