General questions
Madrid Bike Tours Frequent Asked Questions
What is the establishment’s schedule?
Madrid Bike Tours opens every day of the year including Sundays and holidays.
The summer timetable (March 29 to October 29) is from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
And the winter schedule (October 30 to March 28) is from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 20:00
Which is our location?
We are at Santiago St. 18 Madrid, a few meters away from the San Miguel Market. The nearest metro is the Metro “Sol” or “Opera”.
Payment methods - How can I pay?
You can pay cash in our store or by credit card.
Is the city of Madrid bike friendly?
Madrid is starting to be a friendly city with cyclists, although there is still a lot to do. You will find a few bike lanes and other more tracks shared with vehicles with special priority for the cyclist.
Madrid is settled in a series of small hills, so if you are not used to the bike it can be a little hard. There are areas in the city very well prepared for cycling, such as the Retiro Park, the Juan Carlos I Park, the Casa de Campo or Madrid Rio. These places are perfect for walking with the whole family without cars that bother.
Do I need to book to rent bicycles or sign up for a tour?
To sign up for one of our bike tours, or to rent bicycles or segways, it is necessary to reserve at least 12 hours before.
Can I use headphones to listen to music or talk on the phone?
No means of distraction are allowed: no music headsets, no phones, no smoking, none of this is allowed.
Anyone driving a vehicle should avoid distractions.
Are helmets required?
It is only compulsory for children under 16 years of age on urban roads.
It is mandatory in interurban roads for all ages.
What restrictions are there to carry passengers?
Only children under 7 years of age may be carried on certified baby seats.
Pedestrian streets, how should I proceed?
It is not permitted to cycle through pedestrian areas (this includes sidewalks and footpaths only).
If there is a bike lane you must go at moderate speed and keep in mind that you must always yield to the pedestrian.
A minimum distance of one meter is required between the pedestrian and the bicycle, otherwise the cyclist must get of the vehicle and walk this leg.
Which signals on the tracks do I have to follow?
The bicycle is just another vehicle, with the obligations it implies.
The track on which you drive is the one that determines the signals to all vehicles.
Fines - Can I be fined?
Skipping a traffic light, a sign or going the wrong way carries a fine. The new Madrid Mobility Ordinance penalizes traffic violations in accordance with the new Traffic and Road Safety Law.
Alcohol - Can I drink a beer?
No vehicle may be driven under the influence of alcohol or any other chemical compound which may interfere with normal reactions and functions.
Parking - where can I park my bike?
In Madrid, the City Council has a number of bike parking stations with inverted U-bars where you can anchor your bicycles. Be careful not to confuse them with the “BiciMad” stations! which are only reserved for this public service of the City Council.
If you need to leave your bike on the sidewalk attached to a post or street lamp, remember to leave a safety margin of 1m for pedestrians and wheelchairs.
In Madrid, it is not recommended to leave your bicycle in places where there are few people, it is preferable on wide roads with visibility and crowded areas. Always in visible places.
Padlocks - how do I secure my bike?
- How to lock the bike. The bicycle should be padlocked if possible to the inverted U-bars reserved for parking bikes.
- Attach the bicycle wheel – the front and frame – the back wheel with two padlocks would be optimal, but not always possible.
- Essential parts that must be fastened:
- The frame
- the front wheel
- the handlebars and the seat: These are parts that the thieves love.
- The safest locks are the Phyton model or the U-bar, because they are the ones that cannot be cut with shears. The essential thing is not to leave your bike unattended for long periods of time, and if possible not to spend the night in the street.
- To prevent someone from damaging the lock lock with liquid, it is a good idea to keep the lock eye tilted towards the ground.
Clothing - Do I need to wear any special clothing?
Tips for good cycling attire:
If you use your bike sporadically or have rented a bike that is comfortable to ride, it is enough.Keep a couple of important notes in mind:
- Make sure that the leg of the trousers is not wide to prevent it from being caught by the chain or running.
- Try not to wear flying dresses for the same reason.
- In case of cold weather it is highly recommended to wear gloves, hands are the first ones to get cold and can have consequences.
- A hat covering the ears in winter is also very useful.
- Do not drive in flip-flops or barefoot.
Madrid is a large city with heavy traffic, any slipping or falling can be fatal.
In case of rain:
- a cap with a visor is recommended for those who wear glasses
- Raincoat try to cover as much as possible but be careful not to get caught on the chainring or sprockets.
It is also important to note that the asphalt in the city becomes particularly slippery if it is wet.
There are reflective bands to put on your clothes to increase your visibility at night. They are not mandatory either, but any element that increases safety is always advisable.
Children
There are certified seats for children under 7 years of age.
They must be homologated and properly fastened to the structure of the bicycle according to the manufacturer’s standard.
Rentals
Madrid Bike Tours Frequent Asked Questions
What is necessary to rent a bike or other material?
For the rental of our material we ask the clients to bring at the moment of collecting the bicycle/skates etc … their ID, NIE or Passport, and sign a rental contract, taking responsibility for the material.
Can a minor rent material?
No, minors can not rent unless they are accompanied by an adult who is responsible, or bring a signed authorization from their parents and their original DNI.
Is there any insurance?
We have civil liability insurance, that is to say that the damages caused or originated with the Rent & Roll material are covered, but not personal injuries or theft
What happens if the bicycle breaks?
No invoice is charged to the customer for the broken material due to its normal use.
What happens if my bicycle is stolen?
The customer when renting the bicycle or any material, is responsible for it, so in case of theft, it must pay the price of the stolen material. Anyway, with the rent we include a high security padlock, and we can give some recommendations, so thieves do not spoil your vacation.
Any other question you want to know?
Where we are
TIMETABLE
Open every day
Winter (1 Oct – 15 Mar)
M-S de 10am – 7pm
Summer (16 Mar- 30 Sept)
M-S 10am – 8pm