Read the signs on Marbella’s Paseo Maritimo

Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo now nearly covers the entire 27 kilometres of our city and is one of the highlights of living here.  However in summer as it also becomes incredibly busy, we need to be aware of the rules and abide by them.

Firstly it is worth remembering that a Paseo Marítimo literally means a seaside “promenade”, a place designed for walking.  Nowadays it’s a melange of pedestrians, children playing, dogs, runners, cyclists and electric scooters all sharing the promenade, alongside restaurant terraces and waiters regularly crossing the walkway.

To optimise our safety the rules for bicycles and personal mobility vehicles now vary according to the section of the Paseo, and signs that previously restricted cycling at certain times have been replaced in some areas by signs telling cyclists and scooter users to dismount and walk alongside their vehicle.

There is a good reason behind the change. In August last year, Marbella Town Hall temporarily stopped bicycles and scooters being ridden on a number of paved sections after reporting an increase in incidents between pedestrians, bicycles and personal mobility vehicles during July. The measure was specifically introduced to prevent further accidents and protect pedestrians during periods of particularly high footfall.

Where cycling is permitted, pedestrians still always have priority, the maximum speed is 10 kilometres per hour, users must keep right and zig-zagging and reckless riding is prohibited.   On a crowded promenade, someone stepping unexpectedly into their path, children or dogs changing direction, sudden braking or evasive manoeuvres lead to very nasty accidents.

So please don’t assume yesterday’s rules apply everywhere today. Watch the signs, watch your back, slow down and remember that on the Paseo, pedestrians first.