> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Private Bike-Sharing Faces Exit Over Fines - URL: https://barna.news/private-bike-sharing-faces-exit-over/ - Published: 2026-09-29T12:17:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-29T12:17:35.000Z - Description: Barcelona's private bike-sharing firms face removal in 2027 after record fines and impoundments. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: transport ## Record Fines Trigger 2027 Exit Barcelona's private bike-sharing operators will cease operations in January 2027, following a city council decision driven by persistent violations and misuse. Mayor Jaume Collboni announced in June that the licenses for seven companies, Bird, Bolt, Cooltra, Donkey Republic, Lime, RideMovi, and Voi, would not be renewed, citing that most users are non-residents and that compliance with parking rules remains unacceptably low. Since January 2025, each of the 3,500 shared bicycles has been fined at least twice, and three out of four have been impounded at least once, according to Barcelona City Council data. The figures, released this week, show that from January 2025 to September 2026, a total of 7,195 fines have been issued and 2,683 bicycles removed to the municipal depot. ## Summer Surge in Violations The situation worsened over summer. Between June and August 2026, 1,693 bicycles were fined, a 54.1% increase from the same period in 2025, and 579 vehicles were impounded, up 23.5%. July alone saw 992 fines, the highest monthly total recorded, while August saw a peak of 340 bikes taken to the depot. The council argues the data confirm that the issue lies not with infrastructure but with the operators' failure to ensure user compliance. Collboni has stressed the city is not opposed to cycling, but insists services must not occupy public space without order or control. --- ## Operators Push Back on Removal The seven companies dispute the council’s conclusions. They note their services have enabled 3.2 million trips since 2025, preventing an estimated 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. They also argue that fines represent just 0.17% of total trips, suggesting misuse is a small fraction of overall use. Bolt stated that the debate should focus on whether Barcelona wants more or fewer green transport options, not a public-versus-private divide. The firms also highlight a joint parking patrol launched in November 2025 in key areas like Plaça Catalunya and Ciutat Vella, a European-first initiative aimed at improving order. > Eliminating 3,500 sustainable vehicles contradicts the city’s own environmental goals, they argue, warning that removing private bikes will reduce mobility options, especially for tourists and occasional users. ## Bicing Set for Major Expansion To fill the gap, the city is expanding its public Bicing scheme. The new contract, to be tendered in autumn 2026, will increase the fleet by 50% from 8,000 to 12,000 bicycles by the end of 2028\. The service, which requires an annual subscription, currently has over 170,000 users and is the third most used public transport after metro and bus. Electric Bicing bikes now outnumber mechanical ones, with 5,000 electric and 3,000 mechanical units. The number of stations is also rising, from 519 in 2023 to a planned 593 by the end of the term. The city has 270km of dedicated bike lanes and 1,200km of cyclable routes, including 30km/h zones where bikes have priority. [The Bicing expansion plan](https://www.barcelona.cat/infobarcelona/en/bicing-availability-to-grow-by-50%5F1653311.html?ref=barna.news) includes ongoing improvements to lanes on Via Laietana and Av. Diagonal, with further network upgrades underway. --- *Primary sources:* [*ajuntament.barcelona.cat*](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premsa/2026/07/03/lajuntament-incrementara-loferta-del-bicing-en-un-50/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Barcelona City Council*](https://www.barcelona.cat/infobarcelona/en/bicing-availability-to-grow-by-50%5F1653311.html?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by elperiodico.com, El Periódico Barcelona.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Shared bike firms seek reprieve after 2026 ban](https://barna.news/shared-bike-firms-seek-reprieve-after/) - [Barcelona Buses at Record Low Speed](https://barna.news/barcelona-buses-at-record-low-speed/) - [Public Transport Museum Group Launched by TMB and City Council](https://barna.news/public-transport-museum-group-launched/) - [ATM reopens debate on scooters on public transport](https://barna.news/atm-reopens-debate-on-scooters-on/)