High Court Backs Cycling Restrictions

The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has dismissed an appeal filed by the Collserola Sport Respect Cycling Association and the Catalan Cycling Federation against the Special Plan for the Protection of the Natural Environment and Landscape of the Serra de Collserola Natural Park (PEPNat). The 12 March 2026 ruling upholds regulations limiting bicycle traffic to protect the park’s natural values. The two organisations had challenged the definitive approval of the PEPNat, enacted by the Government of the Generalitat on 6 April 2021, and sought its annulment. They argued that restrictions on cycling lacked sufficient supporting reports, cited procedural flaws in the plan’s drafting, and claimed violations of their rights.

Restrictions Deemed Lawful

In its judgment, the TSJC rejected all arguments presented by the appellants. The court found the cycling restrictions justified by the plan’s mobility study, which analyses cycling impacts and outlines a network of 361 kilometres across 17 designated routes. According to the ruling, the limitations are necessary to preserve the park’s biodiversity, protect ecologically sensitive zones, and reduce conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians. The court also dismissed claims that delays in the plan’s processing or alleged legal violations warranted invalidation.

The restrictions respond to the need to preserve the park's natural values, protect particularly sensitive areas, and reduce conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.

What Is the PEPNat?

The PEPNat is the regulatory framework governing public use and environmental protection across the 8,156-hectare Collserola Natural Park, which spans nine municipalities including Sant Cugat del Vallès. It replaced the previous protection plan from 1987 following provisional approval by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) on 30 April 2019. The plan establishes conditions for visitor access and activity, including cycling routes and restricted zones. Details on permitted routes and regulations are available via the Collserola Natural Park’s official website. Residents and visitors are advised to consult the official park website for updated maps and access rules to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Sources: Sant Cugat del Vallès, CENDOJ, Generalitat de Catalunya, ciclisme.cat.