New variable speed limits to improve cyclist safety following fatal hit and run

Catalonia will begin to introduce variable speed limits to improve cyclist safety in September.

The electronic signs, which will temporarily lower the speed limit when the presence of cyclists is detected on a given road, will be tested in "one or two tunnels," Ramon Lamiel, the head of the Catalan Traffic Service explained in an interview with RAC1 on Monday morning. The exact location of these signs is yet to be determined.

"The person or group of people on bikes will trigger the signs that will warn drivers of the situation," Lamiel added. 

The tendering phase for this project has already concluded, as has that for the smart intersection warning drivers of the presence of cyclists that will be installed between Centelles and Vic in central Catalonia. 

Deadly crash

The announcement of variable speed limits comes in the wake of a fatal hit and run in Castellbisbal, not far from Barcelona, that left two cyclists dead on Sunday. Another three cyclists were injured, one of which is in critical condition.

The driver was arrested Sunday evening in the neighboring town of Martorell.