VIDEO: Cyclist angers drivers with dangerous riding in Lanzarote
A video showing a cyclist carrying out a dangerous manoeuvre on a road in Lanzarote has gone viral on social media, causing concern over road safety on the island.
The footage shows the cyclist riding extremely close behind a hire vehicle for several kilometres, a technique known as drafting or rebufo. While the practice allows cyclists to reduce wind resistance, increase speed and conserve energy, it also carries serious risks if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
The incident was recorded on the LZ-1, on the stretch between the island’s popular tourist attractions Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, continuing towards the coastal village of Órzola.
In the video, the cyclist can be seen maintaining a dangerously short distance behind a Citroën Berlingo van, leaving virtually no margin for error. Road safety experts warn that any sudden stop or unexpected manoeuvre by the vehicle could have resulted in a serious or even fatal accident.
Although cyclists are not required to hold a driving licence, they are still obliged to comply with Spain’s traffic regulations, just like other road users. These rules state that cyclists must normally ride on the hard shoulder to their right and may only leave it during descents if conditions are considered safe. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to €200.
Current regulations also allow cyclists to ride two abreast, as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road. However, in areas with poor visibility or where traffic builds up, cyclists are required to ride in single file.
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