Something I noticed in the last couple of days, usually when I’m in the back of an uber, second-guessing our progress by following along on the map in the app. Dr Seuss would be proud.
I noticed that every street in Barcelona is one way. Not the monster avenues, obv. And I’m sure there are exceptions, but while I’ve been paying attention, all one way.
Many streets are normal width, but the layout is unexpected. Starting on the right, there is the footpath, then parking, then there is the driving lane, sometimes 2. Then parking again, and then the cycle /e-scooter lane. Then the other footpath. Maybe it’s the result of the lefty greens on city councils demanding cycle lanes even if nobody cycles in their city.
But does it work. It seems to. At least at pedestrian crossings, you only need to look one way if you choose to be a social rebel and not wait for the little green man.
But don’t be fooled. There’s always the SBD lane. That stands for Silent but Deadly. Stop it!! I’m referring to e-scooters and bikes, who appear not to recognize any kind of speed limit. And the only noise you’ll hear to warn of their approach is the rattling of dislocated hips on the upended pensioner who didn’t see them coming 25m to your left or right.
Other than that and other E-curses on humanity, I think I like the one way street idea.
Is it just in Barcelona, or bits of it. Don’t know.
Was it in Madrid? Didn’t notice.
Maybe it’s a Spanish thing.
Maybe even an Iberian thing.
In a few days we’ll be in Zurich, so remind me to have a look then.
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