Green Cycling Ring Route with some wide path sections. Madrid, Spain Mar. 2011. Photo by HJEH Becker
At the airport information centre I asked for a cycling map of Madrid and was given a booklet “Haz Deporte en Madrid” or “Practice Sport in Madrid”. The booklet contained 10 cycling routes whereby one can see the best of Madrid. Also, the booklet contained reference to “Anillo Verde Ciclista” or translated as the Green Cycling Ring. This 64 kilometres off-road bike trail or multi-use path for the most part circled Madrid through the suburbs. The route is well marked with posts every half to one kilometres apart signalling the way of the route and letting you know where you are along
Helical steel bike-pedestrian bridge overpass under construction near Green Cycling Ring Route. Madrid, Spain Mar. 2011. By HJEH Becker
the map in the centrefold of the booklet. Every now and then, there were large maps mounted along the way. Unfortunately, some people feel that the maps are ideal places to try out graffiti art.
The green cycling ring seemed to be well placed down park corridors, rivers, and parallel to major highways. In a few places there were feeder bike paths leading into the city or local neighbourhood places. Major roads are crossed by cycling overpasses with reasonable grade approaches. The geography of the land provided some hills to climb.
Art murals along facade of residential buildings in surburbs. Madrid, Spain Mar. 2011. By HJEH Becker
Finding water or toilettes along the way was not the easiest. With limited retail activity close to the path, the opportunity to stop for liquid at a store was very infrequent. Sometimes, one would come across a street toilette. Make sure you have change with you if you are planning to use it. Benches are regularly available in case it is mid-day and time for your siesta. With two-hour lunches, bicycles were spotted parked at benches while the cyclist was replenishing his energy with a nap.
Steel bike-pedestrian overpass bridge to link with neighbourhood. Crosses a buried road. Madrid, Spain Mar. 2011. Photo by HJEH Becker
The circular route is well used by people out to get cycling exercise or training. It is a peaceful way to get around. One does feel removed from the noise of cars on streets.
Third Wave Cycling Blog 
If you are interested in visiting Spain and in particular Girona and the Costa Brava, we recommend you to visit http://www.bookingscostabrava.com/cycling-in-the-costa-brava.html where you will get useful information about green routes to cycle. The Catalan government is adapting old rail routes for cycling only. It’s a beautiful experience , only nature and no cars whatsoever.