Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Barcelona

Get a Glimpse of Barcelona’s “Superblocks” in Action

Barcelona’s “superblocks,” which restrict car access and expand public space, are beginning to take shape in Barcelona. Image: Barcelona Urban Mobility Plan

Barcelona is making headway on its "superblocks," clusters of nine city blocks where car traffic is restricted and public space is expanded.

The city has installed four superblocks so far and plans to add five more this year before rapidly expanding the program in 2018, reports CityLab.

Like any major change to the streets, the superblocks have their detractors. But this video from the BBC shows how one works and it looks... great. Car traffic is down 40 percent inside this superblock, though there isn't enough data yet to evaluate the change in traffic on the perimeter. (One concern with the concept is that transit may become slower -- and less convenient if the walk to the bus gets longer.)

The BBC video shows how the four intersections within a superblock function. Most of the street space is reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists, and motor vehicles are limited to narrow rights-of-way that don't provide linear access across the superblock.

The superblocks are part of a larger Barcelona initiative to improve air quality by reducing vehicle traffic 21 percent.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are Driverless Big Rigs a Good Idea?

What will automated trucks really mean for America?

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Have a Future

But these freeways shouldn't, according to the Congress for New Urbanism.

May 30, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Bike Guides to Build Your City

Bill Schultheiss on AASHTO and NACTO bike lane design guides, the importance of history, political will and the stress of being an expert witness in court.

May 29, 2025

Outrage Grows Over NYPD Bike Criminalization, But City Council Is In No Rush

Many members of the New York City Council want Speaker Adrienne Adams to act to protect immigrant cyclists from the NYPD, but she doesn't want to.

May 29, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Live to Fight Another Day

Congestion pricing won a major court victory that suggests it's here to stay, and could eventually open the door for other cities to follow New York's lead.

May 29, 2025

Duffy Tells Congress He’s Not Delaying DOT Projects — As He Delays DOT Projects

Thousands of federal transportation grants remain in limbo as the Trump administration cuts staff and cracks down on DEI, bike lanes and environmental rules.

May 29, 2025
See all posts