Compostela: Electric Bikes Excluded?

[Kathar1na]

But what does seem to be required is a commitment of time.
Three to four hours of normal walking (5k/hour) for five days, makes 100km.
Three to four hours of normal sailing (10k/hour) for five days, makes 185km.
Three to four hours of normal cycling (15k/hour) for five days, makes 200km.
It doesn't seem to matter how much physical effort you put in: as long as you commit at least five days of your time to your pilgrimage, you can apply for a Compostela.

Maybe it does seem like that but what do we know of the thinking behind the rules for obtaining a Compostela ...?

From the FAQ page of the Oficina del Peregrino:

You must choose the starting point according to the number of days you want to spend on the Way, in the knowledge that an average of 25 km are covered per day on foot, 40 km on horseback and 70 km by bike, although each individual has their own pace and shorter or longer distances can be covered depending on your physical condition.​

​

So that makes, in the opinion of whoever had this put on their website, an average of 4 days on foot, 2 1/2 days on horseback and 3 days by bike to cover the required minimum distance ... and bang goes the theory ...

Source: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/ufaq/where-does-the-way-of-st-james-start-and-finish/

 

[Murk]

Well, that should teach me to say things without looking up the official sources...

 

[Kathar1na]

Well, that should teach me to say things without looking up the official sources...

It is totally reasonable to assume that 5 days to 1 week is the required minimum time for a longer distance pilgrimage. I myself was surprised when I saw the text on the website of the Oficina del Peregrino. I had not been looking for it, I had tried to find again what they (once) had written about esfuerza and the Compostela but I could not find it.

 

[RJM]

I will be on the Frances again this summer. I hope not to share the path with any motorized bicycle, be it electric or internal combustion.

 

[Flog]

It probably wouldn't make a great deal of difference anyway if the PO changed the distance requirement for e-bikes. Plenty of big fat, middle aged men claim compostelas, supposedly having cycled all the way to SdC under their own steam, fooling nobody but themselves. Same goes for bus tourists who don't even get off the bus to get their own sello. It is what it is now.

 

[Lindsay from Scotland]

You have clearly never cycled an E-Bike.

I have two e-bikes and one of them is an e-tandem, but I would not dream of using them on the Camino Frances

 

[CWBuff]

My husband has several E-bikes and he cannot walk the distances I do. We go south for two months every winter and the 25 miles of state park trails we frequent have had exponential growth among seniors in the past two years...there will be no turning back whether we like it or not. The number of stand up E-scooters I saw in Italy, especially in Rome, on busy streets were scary to see amidst traffic, and I wondered how many accidents have escalated in the last few years.

I remember seeing electric scooters all over Paris in 2019, but last year they seemed to be mostly gone. I think that some cities cracked down on their use because people would just leave them laying around anywhere - on the sidewalk or the street. And many users were very inexperienced.

All of th above and to add the unfortunate rise in crime. its very convenient to grab a lady's purse while flying by on one of these contraptions

I think "bike back" may be US usage thing. When the bikes were coming through groups of walkers I was hollering "bike back" to warn others. I had a couple of people tell me they had never heard that before.

Just like other Yanks - never heard it. most common phrases I heard are "on your left\right" or "behind you"

 

[good_old_shoes]

I've had a collision with a bike on the Camino.

I was lucky that it was a young, fit cyclist on a lightweight mountain bike, who chose to half crash into a fence instead of completely running over me.

Result was a few scratches for the cyclist and a big scare and slightly bruised knee for me, but nothing else.

Can't even imagine a similar collision with a heavy e-bike and an inexperienced / physically impaired cyclist. That would certainly have been a trip to the hospital for both of us.

The cyclist did shout, but didn't slow down enough, and I didn't have enough time to react. Didn't know which way to jump, chose the wrong one in the split -second that I had to make a decision. Having a giant backpack on the back and having walked 35km in the heat already didn't help either.

Shouting "to your right", "to your left", "Bike approaching!", "#%$£#!" is not really helpful on the Camino, unless you slow down significantly and are prepared to get off the bike to pass the walker, since many pilgrims will not understand a word because of language barrier, or will be lost in thought, or too tired to react, or maybe too slow to react in time because they're older, injured, ect.

I have no problems whatsoever with shared routes for walkers/bikes at all, as long as there's respect for the weaker party.

But e-bikes are a risk, not only for walkers but the e-cyclists also. I'd be happy to see those banned from hiking trails.

The problem is that e-bikes are often used by people with little experience and / or those who choose the e-bike because they think their health / fitness level doesn't allow walking / cycling with a regular bike. That kind of person is often unable to truly control the e-bike, and there's a huge risk for injury / accidents.

For those who can't walk / cycle, taking a bus, car or train to Santiago is always an option. You won't get a Compostela, but it will still be a pilgrimage if that's what's your intention is when going to Santiago.

So, no e-bikes needed on the trails.

Some people of course would still cheat and claim to not have used an e-bike, but maybe at least some would consider using different means of transportation if it would be very clearly advertised (in all major languages, in all credentials, and on the pilgrim's offices website) that using e-bikes does not qualify for a Compostela.

One can dream!

 

[Paladina]

Plenty of big fat, middle aged men claim compostelas, supposedly having cycled all the way to SdC under their own steam, fooling nobody but themselves.

Don't underestimate big fat middle-aged men! A few years ago, I was surprised at the number of very large cyclists attending a cycle touring conference, but I was even more surprised to find that they had regularly undertaken far longer and more arduous excursions than I ever have.

 

[SabsP]

Don't underestimate big fat middle-aged men! A few years ago, I was surprised at the number of very large cyclists attending a cycle touring conference, but I was even more surprised to find that they had regularly undertaken far longer and more arduous excursions than I ever have.

Exactly!

Living in cycling country I see groups of cyclists ( racing bikes and no assistance ) every weekend, some of them obviously with less perfect BMI and they manage really well.
Without a doubt they could cycle a Camino and finish it. And could get their Compostela.

In general : we do not "fatshame" here on this forum some larger pilgrims on foot. So no need to do this for cyclists either.

 

[henrythedog]

Don't underestimate big fat middle-aged men!

May I be the first to add my weight to that most astute comment.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@fkmueller , that is one heck of an introductory posting. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Flog]

Don't underestimate big fat middle-aged men!

Oh, I don't! When a decidedly unfit looking man's credencial shows he's cycled 500 km from Burgos in three days, and when asked in a friendly way if he did it on a bicicleta electrica and he insists indignantly 'No, solo bicicleta normal',

Then I see him and his friends outside on the street ten minutes later, taking photos with compostelas, the three of them with high -tech electric bikes..

Loads if such stories of folks fooling themselves, but no matter, it's their camino..

 

[VNwalking]

I plan to follow the hiking route and expect I will still be pushing the bike up more than a few hills, especially on the first days and near the end.

A wonderful post.
I wish all cyclists (no matter what their BMI - it's irrelevant) were as considerate as you, @fkmueller. Unfortunately a small number make an underserved bad name for everyone. Wishing you a safe, wonderful, and very satisfying camino!

 

[Goyo]

Shouting "to your right", "to your left", "Bike approaching!", "#%$£#!" is not really helpful on the Camino, unless you slow down significantly and are prepared to get off the bike to pass the walker, since many pilgrims will not
understand a word because of language barrier, or will be lost in thought, or too tired to react, or maybe too slow to react in time because they're older, injured, ect.

And let’s not forget that there are those who like to walk with headphones, earbuds, boomboxes or whatever. I do not, and will not change my ways when walking my Camino. I have enough music running thru my head to last a lifetime of Caminos, prefer to take in the sounds of my surroundings wherever I walk, engage in a bit of (ok, a lot of) conversation with myself, as well as random absent and/or invented characters, and practice situational awareness to the extreme. I’d like to be able hear someone coming up behind me on any kind of bike, but will also do plenty of looking over my shoulder as an added level of precaution in order to avoid getting blindsided. Hope that’s enuf

 

[WGroleau]

E-bikes make you go faster

They allow you to go faster. Doing so when inappropriate is what I meant by "the idiocy of the cyclist."

 

[Kathar1na]

I was looking at the new credencial I just got at the Pilgrim's Office for my next Camino. Reading the information inside I came across this:


I had understood that it was possible to get a Compostela if one rides an ebike, but maybe not?

Another thread than this one made me look into some aspects connected to electric bikes in Spain and the views of the Cathedral's Pilgrim Office. Going back to about 2019, I can say with confidence that individual opinions about the intentions of the Pilgrim Office vary considerably. I've also looked at articles in Spanish media at the regional and national level, mostly also from 2019. It appears to be a fact that the staff and volunteers at the Pilgrim Office do not check which kind of bicycle (traditional or pedal assisted) had been used by a pilgrim. Fact is also that their policy on this topic is nowhere explained on their website, and up to now it was also not mentioned let alone explained in their credencial.

I have come to the conclusion that it has been the policy of the Pilgrim Office since at least about 2019 that the use of an electric bike (what is defined as an electric bike in this context in Spain, namely a vehicle looking like a bicycle that does not require insurance, does not require a licence, with a motor/regulation system that allows speeds of max 25 km/h, not belonging to classification L1e-B etc etc and is legally allowed to ride under the same conditions as a traditional bike) does not generally qualify for a Compostela since at least 2019. Despite many claims to the contrary that have been made online including on this forum.

BTW, I'd be curious to see a copy of the whole text on this page of the new version of the credencial. No particular reason, just curious. Thank you to anyone who can provide it. There is no hurry.

 

[Kathar1na]

I saw the text copy-pasted below on a Belgian website. I think it explains the language about electric bikes / e-bikes better than the usually more technically oriented descriptions. The article uses two terms: Classic Electric Bicycle and Fast Electric Bicycle.

It appears that it is unclear to (only some?) readers what the Cathedral of Santiago / its Pilgrim Office means by the term bicicleta electrica in the new version of the credencial.

The article focuses on the situation in Belgium but applies similarly to the situation in Spain. This applies in particular to the applicable traffic code in Spain.

The classic electric bicycle​

​

When people talk about an electric bike, they usually mean the two-wheeler that was exempted from type approval by the EU in Directive 2002/24/EC and has been equated with the ordinary bicycle in the Belgian traffic code for years. With this two-wheeler, the assistance speed is limited to 25 km/h and the support to 250 W. Due to the unexpected success of these ‘classic’ electric bikes, most European bike manufacturers were not worried about bikes exceeding these speed and power limits. It was mainly the Swiss, prompted by their geography, who experimented with higher power levels.​

​

The fast electric bicycle​

​

Swiss experimentation, the availability of American and Asian products and customer demand for even more motor assistance at higher speeds led to some tentative attempts by German and Dutch manufacturers to push the speed and power limits. These fast electric bikes (also known as ‘speed pedelecs’ or ‘high-speed bikes’) often assist up to a speed of 45 km/h and generally have a (maximum continuous) power output of between 250 and 750 watts. For many commuters, this level of assistance finally offers a worthy alternative to the car for covering longer distances. The fast electric bike is therefore clearly on the rise.​

For info: No matter how American and Asian producers label their product, if they want to bring it to market, i.e. sell it in the EU market, it will be categorised according to EU law.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Given the increased use and I'd say "normalisation" of e-bikes on the Camino, and given that traditional bicigrinos are keen anyway to travel longer rather than shorter distances, should the minimum bike distance to qualify for a Compostela be increased to 400K ?

 

[Flog]

What would it matter? People believe they're fooling everyone when all the while they're just fooling themselves. Let them claim what they want. It's their hollow victory.

 

[Kathar1na]

What would it matter? People believe they're fooling everyone when all the while they're just fooling themselves. Let them claim what they want. It's their hollow victory.

I could not agree more. And it is not just me ...

This thread makes it appear as if it is something new that Compostelas are not awarded to pilgrims who use electric bicycles. And electric bicycle does mean the "classic" pedal assisted electric bicycle with a speed limit of 25 km/h when assisted by motor.

From all I can read (other than on this forum) I see that it has been the policy of the Oficina del Peregrino since at least 2019 to not award Compostelas to pilgrims who use an electric bike for the last 200 km. An article on Gronze.com from 2019 is just one of numerous examples of sources that I consider as fairly reliable. Anton Pombo, a well-known figure in Camino circles, called the Pilgrim Office at the time and they confirmed this policy. Tomás Sánchez, the owner of the company Bicigrino which is a leading bicycal rental company and pioneer in specialising in the area of the Camino de Santiago by bike (www.bicigrino.com) had a conversation with the Dean of the Cathedral of Santiago who confirmed this policy to him. At the time Tomás Sánchez also made the proposal to extend the number of kilometres required to 300 km or 400 km, twice as many as for conventional bikes, but the proposal was not accepted.

Source: https://www.gronze.com/articulos/bicicletas-electricas-en-camino-santiago-17021 - published on 16 January 2019.

The only news in 2024 is the fact that this policy is now also included in written form in the credencial.

The Pilgrim Office trusts the pilgrim who arrives and claims to have completed the Camino on a conventional bike, see this quote:

We [i.e. Anton Pombo] called the Pilgrim Office, and they confirmed that the Compostela is not given to those who come by electric bicycle. Then, however, they admit that there is no way of verifying this circumstance, as it would be unfeasible for each bicigrino to bring their bicycle to the door of the Pilgrim Office and have someone come out, as if they were an inspector from the International Cycling Union, to carry out an examination of the vehicle. Therefore, they have to trust the pilgrim who arrives and claims to have completed the Camino on a conventional bicycle. ​

​

By all accounts, this issue appears to have already been settled for quite a while.

 

[Skinnybiker]

Do the eBicigrinos wish to claim a compostela? Who knows? As a bicigrino myself the compostela is unimportant mainly because I feel riding a bike is so much easier than the suffering peregrinos experience. When / if I ever walk a Camino then I shall demand a compostela. El ciclista flaco.

 

[michelle grech]

Maybe we should revamp the rules or create Compostela police since there are so many people who have so much time to ponder about this! Should someone who walks for a month carrying their back pack and sleeping in Albergues get the same Compostela as those who walk the last 100 kms, taxi their bags and sleep in hotels? Let’s live and let live!

 

[JabbaPapa]

By all accounts, this issue appears to have already been settled for quite a while.

As far as the current (and "recent" going back to the 1990s) state of affairs goes, you are naturally quite right -- however these things are not really so set in stone, as the distance requirements for horseback (and donkey) pilgrims were reduced (seemingly in the early 21st Century) from 200K to 100K.

I don't know about others, but a doubling of the distances for e-bicigrinos could be a positive change -- and not just for we "purist" grognards, but also for those pilgrims themselves.

As to verifying the types of bikes being used, this could quite well be done at the Albergue level along the Way.

 

[Flog]

As to verifying the types of bikes being used, this could quite well be done at the Albergue level along the Way.

Serious, non rhetorical question:
What should hospis do with this information? Refuse them a bed? Stamp their credencial 'tramposo'? Inform the Pilgrims Office?


Besides, most private accomodation providers will take anyone's money..

 

[JabbaPapa]

Serious, non rhetorical question:
What should hospis do with this information? Refuse them a bed? Stamp their credencial 'tramposo'? Inform the Pilgrims Office?

Just ensure that the correct type of bike is mentioned on the credencial. I'm certainly not suggesting that certain pilgrims should be excluded !!

 

[Kathar1na]

Tomás Sánchez, the owner of the company Bicigrino which is a leading bicycal rental company and pioneer in specialising in the area of the Camino de Santiago by bike (www.bicigrino.com) had a conversation with the Dean of the Cathedral of Santiago who confirmed this policy to him. At the time Tomás Sánchez also made the proposal to extend the number of kilometres required to 300 km or 400 km, twice as many as for conventional bikes, but the proposal was not accepted.
Source: https://www.gronze.com/articulos/bicicletas-electricas-en-camino-santiago-17021 - published on 16 January 2019.
The only news in 2024 is the fact that this policy is now also included in written form in the credencial.

I just had a look at Tomás Sánchez' business website and the e-bikes that they hire. They are very clear: Recordamos que con este tipo de vehiculos en la oficina del peregrino no podremos obtener la Compostela o diploma acreditativo del camino de Santiago.

"Este tipo de vehiclos" means in this case their offer of e-bikes 625 kW. I guess it is not necessary to point out that 625 kW and 250 W are different things - not because of the difference in numbers but because of the difference between Watt hours and Watt and what this means for the type of vehicle in concrete terms. Well, basically the difference between a battery and a motor.

While looking for further precise language and info - the batteries are made by Bosch - I saw this comment: Nevertheless, the term pedelec has not become established in everyday use. Most people talk about the e-bike although they mean the pedelec. That is why we also use the term "e-bike" in connection with our pedelec range.

This refers to language used about e-bikes in German and in Germany. I am pretty certain that the same applies to language used about e-bikes and bicicleta electrica in Spanish and in Spain. To discuss this topic in any meaningful way, one needs to know, or understand, what is meant by an author or a speaker in their native language! The Cathedral's credencial is written in Spanish for use in Spain! This needs to be clarified urgently??? Ask the Oficina del Peregrino for clarification and I would not be surprised if they look at you in bewilderment, thinking how come that this guy does not know or understand what we mean?

 

[Bedspring]

I was looking at the new credencial I just got at the Pilgrim's Office for my next Camino. Reading the information inside I came across this:
View attachment 171087

I had understood that it was possible to get a Compostela if one rides an ebike, but maybe not? As a walker, I'm very happy to see this, even though there will always be people without basic honesty claiming a Compostela by riding them anyway. Ebikes are a different level of scary altogether in terms of collision risk.

How many people on the Camino have actually been injured by a person on an e hike.
Euro velos 1 and 3 overlap the Camino in places.
I definitely do not think people on an e bike should qualify for a compostella, and not convinced people on any kind of bicycle.
As a person who is also a keen cycle tourist I would say all the cycles should be equipped with a proper old fashioned bicycle bell, that sounds like a bicycle bell, and not the tink tink things that do not

 

[lmp]

I finished my 2nd Camino Francés a month ago in my "human-powered" gravel bike. I would say non e-bikes are the exception nowadays.

 

[Treskelion]

I for one and this opinion is only I. I am personally happy that a compostela will not be awarded to people on E bikes. There are things all of us would like to do but because of lack of ability, age, intelligence, education, money, etc etc etc will never accomplish. To me giving a compostela to someone on an e bike is like making sure everyone gets a trophy so nobody feels bad. I am not advocating that people on e bikes should be banned from using a camino route. I am not a Spaniard or the government. But I wouldn't shed a tear if they were.
Getting hit by an ebike driven by someone who is going to fast, spacing out, talking or listening to music on their phone or inexperienced or coming around a turn to fast, not slowing down enough, misjudging distances between their bike and a pilgrim or a local taking a daily stroll, or making people aware of their approach, (I am sure I am missing scenarios) can lead to life altering or deadly consequences.
You can't always get what you want, and you shouldn't either. This is my two cents. Maybe not even worth that much.

For some, like myself, that are severely disabled after an active life; the e-bike (e-trike for myself due balance/spine and leg control) allows you to continue outside … I maintain a RHR of 43 & BP 110/60 at 65 despite a spinal cord tumour (excised after an 11 hour operation that left the spinal cord, spanning 2 vertebrae, looking like a very thin drinking straw) and severely damaged neck and lower back leaving France & UK assessing me as 80%> disabled. Without challenges, I’m sure I would be more frequently acquainted to my wheelchair. I am not “spaced out” although I require morphine & max dose of Pregabalin (300mg x 2/day), I am aware of others that share the route; if the route is too narrow (<2m) then I would look to use alternatives. All should be aware of the sensitivity’s of others, my particular dislike would be dogs that chase bikers & walkers that block a wide track … my DF enjoyment finished after a large dog dragged me off the bike with no notice or warning; the owner (and his wife) appeared after the third attack that left my left hip permanently damaged … the wife belittled my injuries until I called the police …

 

[Treskelion]

I'm skeptical about this. E-bikes make you go faster and they are very popular among novice riders because e-bikes require much less physical exertion than regular bikes. Both of these facts, increase the chances of accidents. Many experienced riders eschew e-bikes as they consider riding e-bikes "cheating".

Depends actually … “torque sensing” or “cadence” for electric assistance. Before my spinal cord tumour I would regularly ride 120km in the morning to visit an old military chum, stay overnight then return home the next morning. I was quite young at the time, until 53 yrs old, and guess I was quite experienced having bought my first DF secondhand aged 14. Post-tumour I use an e-Trike using a Shimano EP800 motor.

 

[lt56ny]

For some, like myself, that are severely disabled after an active life; the e-bike (e-trike for myself due balance/spine and leg control) allows you to continue outside … I maintain a RHR of 43 & BP 110/60 at 65 despite a spinal cord tumour (excised after an 11 hour operation that left the spinal cord, spanning 2 vertebrae, looking like a very thin drinking straw) and severely damaged neck and lower back leaving France & UK assessing me as 80%> disabled. Without challenges, I’m sure I would be more frequently acquainted to my wheelchair. I am not “spaced out” although I require morphine & max dose of Pregabalin (300mg x 2/day), I am aware of others that share the route; if the route is too narrow (<2m) then I would look to use alternatives. All should be aware of the sensitivity’s of others, my particular dislike would be dogs that chase bikers & walkers that block a wide track … my DF enjoyment finished after a large dog dragged me off the bike with no notice or warning; the owner (and his wife) appeared after the third attack that left my left hip was permanently damaged … the wife belittled my injuries until I called the police …

Good luck and safe travels and I wrote this in another post and failed to write it here but when I think people like yourself who have no choice but to use an ebike should be allowed to do it and get a compostela. I have nothing to prove this hypothesis with but I think people who really need additional help and modifications will be much more careful of their surroundings and not drive with hazard or great speed.

 

[Treskelion]

Good luck and safe travels and I wrote this in another post and failed to write it here but when I think people like yourself who have no choice but to use an ebike should be allowed to do it and get a compostela. I have nothing to prove this hypothesis with but I think people who really need additional help and modifications will be much more careful of their surroundings and not drive with hazard or great speed.

Correct. I suspect any incident involving me will hurt! Which makes you very aware of potential hazards …

 

[bks]

It's certainly was possible if you were riding an e-bike which is assisted with an electric motor (but you still need to pedal), as opposed to an electric bike with a throttle ( no peddling required).
This came up on several occasions over the past couple of years. The last definitive post that I could find (from @t2andreo) dates from 2019.

However the wording you have highlighted is very unclear.

It would be interesting to hear from anybody currently volunteering at the pilgrims office, or of course from somebody who is in Santiago and can check, so that we don't just continually speculate but have the facts.

Edited to add: I find it exceptionally unlikely that e-bikes ( assisted ) are not allowed because of the sheer number of businesses involved in supplying / transporting pilgrims e-bikes.

Let alone (and more importantly) the numbers that are nowadays riding them for health reasons, that quite simply could not complete a camino without their assistance.

If, for health reasons, they can't complete a Camino without an ebike than so be it. The Camino is already overcrowded and not everyone has to do everything.

 

[bks]

I've had a collision with a bike on the Camino.

I was lucky that it was a young, fit cyclist on a lightweight mountain bike, who chose to half crash into a fence instead of completely running over me.

Result was a few scratches for the cyclist and a big scare and slightly bruised knee for me, but nothing else.

Can't even imagine a similar collision with a heavy e-bike and an inexperienced / physically impaired cyclist. That would certainly have been a trip to the hospital for both of us.

The cyclist did shout, but didn't slow down enough, and I didn't have enough time to react. Didn't know which way to jump, chose the wrong one in the split -second that I had to make a decision. Having a giant backpack on the back and having walked 35km in the heat already didn't help either.

Shouting "to your right", "to your left", "Bike approaching!", "#%$£#!" is not really helpful on the Camino, unless you slow down significantly and are prepared to get off the bike to pass the walker, since many pilgrims will not understand a word because of language barrier, or will be lost in thought, or too tired to react, or maybe too slow to react in time because they're older, injured, ect.

I have no problems whatsoever with shared routes for walkers/bikes at all, as long as there's respect for the weaker party.

But e-bikes are a risk, not only for walkers but the e-cyclists also. I'd be happy to see those banned from hiking trails.

The problem is that e-bikes are often used by people with little experience and / or those who choose the e-bike because they think their health / fitness level doesn't allow walking / cycling with a regular bike. That kind of person is often unable to truly control the e-bike, and there's a huge risk for injury / accidents.

For those who can't walk / cycle, taking a bus, car or train to Santiago is always an option. You won't get a Compostela, but it will still be a pilgrimage if that's what's your intention is when going to Santiago.

So, no e-bikes needed on the trails.

Some people of course would still cheat and claim to not have used an e-bike, but maybe at least some would consider using different means of transportation if it would be very clearly advertised (in all major languages, in all credentials, and on the pilgrim's offices website) that using e-bikes does not qualify for a Compostela.

One can dream!

I liked you comments and I'd like to add one. Why should bikes, of any kind, be on hiking trails? If it's a shared trail fine but if it's a hiking trail bikers should respect that and find one that can accommodate them. Too many hiking trails get ruined when they are used by bikes and the advent of ebikes is only hastening that.

 

[SabsP]

If, for health reasons, they can't complete a Camino without an ebike than so be it. The Camino is already overcrowded and not everyone has to do everything.

It is all about intention when walking/ cycling a Camino. Who are we to judge the intentions of someone with health reasons to use an E-bike?
Lots of walkers and cyclists also make a Camino without getting a Compostela btw.

Some Caminos are overcrowded yes, like the Frances or the Portugues but there are still some wonderful quiet routes like the Vasco Interior , the Lana or the Catalan.

 

[grayland]

I am not sure it makes any difference any longer. The Camino as many of us once knew is pretty much just a memory...except for the personal satisfaction of walking.

The changes today...Wheeled suitcases, luggage forwarding, using taxi, reservations, etc. have pretty much made me finally stop planning another. It is a sad personal loss to some of us.

"Doing" the camino on an E-bike just fits in with all of the other convenience changes.

 

[trecile]

I liked you comments and I'd like to add one. Why should bikes, of any kind, be on hiking trails? If it's a shared trail fine

The Camino is a shared trail.

 

[Bogong]

I endorse Grayland’s comments. The Camino is big business. People do various stages by taxis or trains, having their packs transported, and for more than a decade groups have been doing the whole business by bus and still getting a Compostela. Early morning I passed one albergue on the outskirts of a village and thirty or more pilgrims were just exiting to board their bus parked outside. A Swiss lady I walked with occasionally and caught up with in Santiago de C said just the day before a busload of American tourists she had seen previously along the way had stopped a bit up from the Pilgrim Office and they all trooped in. On one of the public notice boards in Grenada I saw an advertisement to do it all by bus and get a Compostela. One of the best Camino books I’ve read( by the founder of Medicins sans frontiers) records pilgrims turning up at a monastery-run albergue and from what I recall being confied to the virtual chook pen and fed slps which the busload of tourists who turned up were duchessed. I can’t see anything wrong with using an E-bike. No sense worrying about it or whether or not the “rules” are rigidly applied.if you are, check with the Pilgrim Office - I suspect they would be gracious and flexible.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

The Camino is a shared trail.

I read that as "The Camino is a shared thrill" - must get new specs but either statement is correct!

 

[bks]

I feel obliged to say something about E-Bikes. I have walked the frances from StJpdP in 2018. For a different experience, I will be cycling it in July with an E-Bike. I have done a fair bit of training (and still do). Cycling 50-60 km every day at the age of 67 is no joke. In every ride my average heart rate is between 125-130. I try to use the battery assistance as little as possible. When I pass a runner or walker, I slow down to the extent that I almost start a conversation with the person.
So PLEASE, dont judge all cyclists. Many mototorists are horrible drivers too.

You may want a "different experience" with an ebike this time but when your 74 and you can no longer use an ebike will it be OK to use a scooter for another "different experience"? Perhaps it's time to reconsider what you're trying to accomplish and why and how will it might effect others using the trail. Adding ebikes to the way individuals travel the Camino will only overcrowd the trail even more than it already is. Is this what you want?

 

[bks]

I am not sure it makes any difference any longer. The Camino as many of us once knew is pretty much just a memory...except for the personal satisfaction of walking.

The changes today...Wheeled suitcases, luggage forwarding, using taxi, reservations, etc. have pretty much made me finally stop planning another. It is a sad personal loss to some of us.

"Doing" the camino on an E-bike just fits in with all of the other convenience changes.

Thanks for the comments. It is sad that it has come to this. Fortunately there are other "Caminos" My wife and I walked the Voie de Vezelay, in June of this year. On the 950 km. route we met maybe 15 - 20 pilgrims. and the hospitality was beyond exceptional

 

[bks]

The Camino is a shared trail.

What does that mean? Are scooters OK? Are trail bikes OK? Are motor cycles OK? If not why?

 

[dougfitz]

I think "bike back" may be US usage thing. When the bikes were coming through groups of walkers I was hollering "bike back" to warn others. I had a couple of people tell me they had never heard that before.

I walk with groups here in Australia that use the term to warn others when a bike is approaching from the the rear, and use a similar term for runners and faster walkers. We also use bike/runner/walker front to warn others further back to move to the side of the path.

 

[dick bird]

Can I just point out that riders of e-bikes are excluded from receiving a compostela: they are not excluded from the camino. As to whether they can, or should be (probably not as the camino route follows public thoroughfares of one classification or another), can we discuss this on another thread?

 

[Treskelion]

The spirit of the camino appears to be lost on the naysayers …

 

[Tincatinker]

What does that mean? Are scooters OK? Are trail bikes OK? Are motor cycles OK? If not why?

It means all of those can use most of the Camino as can cars, tractors, skateboarders and people who think they have special entitlement

 

[Flog]

I am not sure it makes any difference any longer. The Camino as many of us once knew is pretty much just a memory...except for the personal satisfaction of walking.

The changes today...Wheeled suitcases, luggage forwarding, using taxi, reservations, etc. have pretty much made me finally stop planning another. It is a sad personal loss to some of us.

"Doing" the camino on an E-bike just fits in with all of the other convenience changes.

Many of us feel that way, it seems the Frances and now the Portuguese routes are beyond saturation, victims of their own commercial success, but there are still plenty of quiet routes, that I'm hopeful will remain that way..

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I live in the Midwest US and have never heard of "bike back", even though I have biked many trails here numerous times over the years. I am only familiar with "on your left" or a bike bell.

but there are still plenty of quiet routes, that I'm hopeful will remain that way..

Yes, there are quieter routes to still be walked and after doing a majority of main Caminos in four countries, I have been branching out the last few years. I will say that quieter routes are usually less convenient for me to plan, as lodging, whether albergues/pensions/hotels along with other infrastructure needed are often much farther apart. I've been walking Caminos each year since 2015 and can tell that I prefer shorter stages now. I do miss winging where to stay, but I walk to enjoy myself; not suffer needlessly by dragging myself to a long end stage.
All this to say that quieter routes are not necessarily an option for everyone.

 

[Flog]

I walk to enjoy myself; not suffer needlessly by dragging myself to a long end stage.
All this to say that quieter routes are not necessarily an option for everyone.

Yes, and I agree. I was speaking for myself though.. I still enjoy the challenge and uncertainty of finding places to eat and sleep on a quieter way, or knowing that I have a 25km stretch in front of me, armed with little more than a bottle of water and a door code for an unstaffed albergue. A day will come when I'll need to walk shorter distances or won't be able to carry my own pack, and I'm sure I'll have a different view then, but I won't be taking a bicycle of any sort on a pilgrim path.

 

[Treskelion]

I will be on the Frances again this summer. I hope not to share the path with any motorized bicycle, be it electric or internal combustion.

I share your wish! On either my inbound or outbound leg of the CF; just keep to the right, don’t choke the path with a gaggle and look behind you before changing direction radically and we will be golden Naturally I will not run you down … I do run with cameras front and back now if there is a need to explain my, or others, actions to third parties. I also carry a bell for those not deaf, an airhorn for dogs/dullards about to munch on my ankles and a forthright manner for the self righteous (remind self of Matthew 7:3?). In Europe, the EU has laid down quite a strict criteria of blame for accidents between trucks/cars/bikes/wheelchairs & pedestrians… however, this does require folks to not walk blindly in front of traffic wearing earplugs or glued to the andple. Anyhows (didn’t waste my 2.5 yrs embedded with USN in Naples, Italy after all), I wish you a splendid camino (the shared path, whether you are a farmer, a fisherman, a cyclist, or humble foot traveller)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I still enjoy the challenge

So do I, but the "challenge" has taken on a slightly different meaning for me as I've tweaked the definition for myself a little. I still carry my own pack and am willing to walk 25km when necessary, but do try to avoid it.

 

[T0M]

The Camino is a shared trail.

So..... share the trail with a motorcycle?

 

[dick bird]

So..... share the trail with a motorcycle?

Or a tractor or two. Large stretches of all caminos are also farm tracks.

 

[Treskelion]

Most pilgrim calcium gravel paths/tracks in France are incorporated into farm tracks, often also used by tractors, cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes and, yes, e-Bikes (and certainly at least one e-Trike ). I cannot believe that Spain (which I have travelled through extensively on a motorbike) is any different. Maintaining the paths/tracks are reliant on the goodwill of the local communities and especially the farmers.

 

[Kathar1na]

Most pilgrim calcium gravel paths/tracks in France are incorporated into farm tracks, often also used by tractors, cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes and, yes, e-Bikes (and certainly at least one e-Trike ). I cannot believe that Spain (which I have travelled through extensively on a motorbike) is any different. Maintaining the paths/tracks are reliant on the goodwill of the local communities and especially the farmers.

You are right, Spain is not different. Local "dirt" roads that also serve as access roads to agricultural or pastoral land or privately owned forest or have other local purposes are incorporated in the Camino Francés trail. And they are certainly open to motorised traffic. You don't often encounter cars, motorbikes or even tractors on them (at least I did not) which may make people think that they are exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles walking/riding on the Camino.

 

[T0M]

It's certainly was possible if you were riding an e-bike which is assisted with an electric motor (but you still need to pedal), as opposed to an electric bike with a throttle ( no peddling required).
This came up on several occasions over the past couple of years. The last definitive post that I could find (from @t2andreo) dates from 2019.

However the wording you have highlighted is very unclear.

It would be interesting to hear from anybody currently volunteering at the pilgrims office, or of course from somebody who is in Santiago and can check, so that we don't just continually speculate but have the facts.

Edited to add: I find it exceptionally unlikely that e-bikes ( assisted ) are not allowed because of the sheer number of businesses involved in supplying / transporting pilgrims e-bikes.

Let alone (and more importantly) the numbers that are nowadays riding them for health reasons, that quite simply could not complete a camino without their assistance.

Or a tractor or two. Large stretches of all caminos are also farm tracks.

The highlighted wording is perfectly clear. There are many types of electric bicycles. But they are all electric bicycles and do not qualify for a Compostela.

 

[Treskelion]

The highlighted wording is perfectly clear. There are many types of electric bicycles. But they are all electric bicycles and do not qualify for a Compostela.

Unless you can prove you are disabled; in my case classed as 80% by both France & UK. I have a French Disabled Parking card (the new one), that I have used when parking my e-Trike in a disabled slot at Rocamadour. To their credit, the parking attendants checked my entitlement, then we continued our delightful lunch.

 

[Flog]

Unless you can prove you are disabled; in my case classed as 80% by both France & UK. I have a French Disabled Parking card (the new one), that I have used when parking my e-Trike in a disabled slot at Rocamadour. To their credit, the parking attendants checked my entitlement, then we continued our delightful lunch.

It's not a problem in your case, given the significant dificulties you face as you've described, and I wish you well.

The general point is that it is clear now: Officially, no electric bikes qualify for a compostela. The bike rental companies might tell you otherwise or might encourage you to lie to get one as they are only interested in your money. You can, with your electric bike choose to lie in the same way as the growing number of pilgrims who now arrive by bus and taxi do, and say you arrived under your own steam and that is your own business too.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

The highlighted wording is perfectly clear. There are many types of electric bicycles. But they are all electric bicycles and do not qualify for a Compostela.

I wrote the highlighted post back in May and to me and many others that wording was not clear, because there was a lot of disagreement about what constituted an electric bike at that point. This disagreement has been going on for years.
On another thread @Kathar1na wrote a very clear and concise report which explained what the law and the pilgrims office meant by an e-bike. She also pointed out that apparently this rule has actually been in place for some years now.
The wording that was highlighted above has finally made it into the credential.

During that time hundreds if not thousands of people have requested and obtained a Compostela, despite the fact that they rode an e-bike.

As has been suggested above it would seem appropriate to change the distance required to obtain a Compostela to reflect the amount of effort put in.

I walk. I do not have an e-bike at home. Both Bikers and e-bikers on the paths here at home when approaching from behind can make me nervous.
Despite which I firmly believe that they are pilgrims just as I am, and I think it is a shame that e-bikers are denied a Compostela.

Surely it should be about what is in your heart?

 

[Bradypus]

Surely it should be about what is in your heart?

I agree. The first two Compostelas I received talked about visiting the tomb of the Apostle in a spirit of devotion. Nothing at all about how the pilgrim got there. These days the pilgrim office focusses entirely on compliance with their rules about route and distance and they have no real interest in a person's motivation. Time to rewrite the Compostela with a more honest and realistic text or just drop it altogether?

 

[Flog]

Surely it should be about what is in your heart?

Yes of course, your pilgrimage is about what's in your heart and shouldn't be about a piece of paper. With that in mind, you are free to undertake your pilgrimage by any way you choose.

 

[Treskelion]

I would prefer to have everything in black & white (since I will not tell an untruth for a piece of paper, or anything else … excepting some of my wife’s cooking experiments), so I have sent an email to credencialeperegrinos e-mail requesting clarification:

“Good morning Sir/Madam,

My apologies for requesting clarification in English, but my Spanish is not sufficient for conversation.

I intend to ride the Camino Frances in Spring 2025 using my 250w Azub e-Trike towing a trailer for my medication (the catheters alone weigh 10kg) from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela and then return by the same Camino (some 1600 km). I had a spinal tumour removed at position T5 that has affected many things below my chest; that includes weakened legs and poor balance (and stopped my pilgrimage in 2014). The extensive damage to my neck and lower back vertebrae, again documented, that negates any possibility of walking more than a few steps using 2 canes/walker.

My question is: can I, as a disabled rider of a e-Trike, request a credenciale please?

Thank you in advance for your help,
V*** St***
somewhere in
France”

 

[Kathar1na]

request a credenciale please?

That is unfortunate wording. Of course you can request and get a credencial ("pilgrim passport"). You can order a credencial from the webshop on this forum. The credencial has two purposes, and one of them is documenting your daily progress along a Camino, and you have to show your credencial (with the stamps you got every day) when you want to stay in certain categories of Camino albergues.

What you want to know is whether you can request and receive a Compostela upon your arrival in Santiago.

 

[Treskelion]

That is unfortunate wording. Of course you can request and get a credencial ("pilgrim passport"). You can order a credencial from the webshop on this forum. The credencial has two purposes, and one of them is documenting your daily progress along a Camino, and you have to show your credencial (with the stamps you got every day) when you want to stay in certain categories of Camino albergues.

What you want to know is whether you can request and receive a Compostela upon your arrival in Santiago.

Thank you! If I have confused the over-worked at the office, I’ll use your wording (please) to get the wording right.

 

[Treskelion]

Being somewhat a stickler for admin, I hope my journey starts (and returns) from Dax (the end of my 2014 attempt) 88km North of SJPDP (I’ll stick my old credencial in my admin pack).

Might be easier to find somewhere there to leave my Camping Car for 6 weeks next March/April. The website www.monhangar.fr looks to be helpful for caravan and/or camping car users to leave their snails in a secure locale for €42 thru €150 pcm.

 

[jerbear]

Yes but you need to ride on road, not the trail, it's not intended for bike epically battery powered. Also bike can't check into albergues until after 6pm. Obey rules!!!!!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Yes but you need to ride on road, not the trail, it's not intended for bike epically battery powered. Also bike can't check into albergues until after 6pm. Obey rules!!!!!

Your source for these “Rules”?

 

[Treskelion]

I will, as I have continually maintained, leave tracks narrower than 2m to those more agile than I. What can easily get “on my goat” are those that have designated themselves as Cop, Judge & Executioner. As a severely disabled individual I am saddened by the trauma that some walkers seemed to have endured from a few irresponsible local club riders or camino cyclers. I have reviewed my need for a trailer, just refitted my giant trekking frame to my e-Trike instead. Thankfully as a severely disabled rider I don’t necessarily need to wait till late to source accommodation … or indeed share a dormitory and listen to “the jury”.

 

[jerbear]

Your source for these “Rules”?

Google them,educate yourself via camino rules and laws. Work it!

 

[Kathar1na]

Yes but you need to ride on road, not the trail, it's not intended for bike epically battery powered. Also bike can't check into albergues until after 6pm. Obey rules!!!!!

The rules that apply are the official Spanish Traffic Rules and any local or regional by-laws if there are any. Not what Camino pilgrims from outside Spain conjure up in their minds.

Having put some efforts into finding and understanding the official Spanish Traffic Rules - not to mention finding local or regional by-laws that could apply - I dare say that not very many forum members have a clue of the rules. I would welcome it, and so would perhaps others, if you could point us to the exact sources that you are referring to when writing "Obey the rules!!!!!". Thank you.

 

[Treskelion]

Google them,educate yourself via camino rules and laws. Work it!

Translation: he and other camino “owners” are enraged by the advent of e-Bikes using a shared trail. You really need to take a chill pill and reflect why you complete the camino trails; I intend to undertake this return 1600km route solo to reflect (hoping to avoid less than 60km of narrow, no wish for help unless mown down by an outraged endurance runner ) … I will tune out, do my 13kph average on Shimano “ECO” and “Trail”, smile, thank my lucky stars to be “mobile” and enjoy the journey. As I have done before.

 

[Kathar1na]

other camino “owners”

Some posters operate under the wrong assumption that "the Camino" is an entity of some sort, regulated and managed by a unique authority of some sort, with supposedly its own traffic rules for pedestrians, cyclists and other users of public ways (roads, paths, streets, pavements, urban pedestrian areas, parks etc etc). They don't seem to be aware of the fact, or prefer to ignore it, that "the Camino" is a patchwork of publics spaces (roads, path, streets, pavements, etc etc) and that there are no special rules or privileges for users of these spaces. Or rather the rules are the same whether they are Camino pilgrims or not.

It's been mentioned and explained numerous times on the forum.

 

[Treskelion]

The rules that apply are the official Spanish Traffic Rules and any local or regional by-laws if there are any. Not what Camino pilgrims from outside Spain conjure up in their minds.

Having put some efforts into finding and understanding the official Spanish Traffic Rules - not to mention finding local or regional by-laws that could apply - I dare say that not very many forum members have a clue of the rules. I would welcome it, and so would perhaps others, if you could point us to the exact sources that you are referring to when writing "Obey the rules!!!!!". Thank you.

I will have a look but I suspect not too different from those utilised in France. I was once saved by a Spanish receptionist (at a beautiful hotel just south in the Pyrenees) who called the “Guardia Civile” after a local police chief (kicked out of his matrimonial home) objected to my friend and I talking in the Hotel sitting room. His rent-a-mob were just about to stamp all over us when the GC arrived and told them (and him) to sling their hooks. My chum (Military Medal award as a Corporal, I knew him as a Brigadier … a massive presence in every sense). We stagged that night, guarding our bikes, to find the idiot come out and try to slash our tyres … he screamed when we crept up behind him and shouted “Boo”, how we (and the receptionist) laughed.

 

[Treskelion]

Some posters operate under the wrong assumption that "the Camino" is an entity of some sort, regulated and managed by a unique authority of some sort, with supposedly its own traffic rules for pedestrians, cyclists and other users of public ways (roads, paths, streets, pavements, urban pedestrian areas, parks etc etc). They don't seem to be aware of the fact, or prefer to ignore it, that "the Camino" is a patchwork of publics spaces (roads, path, streets, pavements, etc etc) and that there are no special rules or privileges for users of these spaces.

It's been mentioned and explained numerous times on the forum.

I will avoid the narrow parts for a simple reason, I don’t want any other travellers journey compromised by mine if the trail proves too much for my current abilities. My e-Trike can do some pretty impressive things, just not by me

 

[Treskelion]

I will avoid the narrow parts for a simple reason, I don’t want any other travellers journey compromised by mine if the trail proves too much for my current abilities. My e-Trike can do some pretty impressive things, just not by me

Thanks to this website (& Ivar), I have updated my 2014 admin (that effort was rudely interrupted ).

 

[Kathar1na]

I will have a look but I suspect not too different from those utilised in France

Roughly the same rules in France as in Spain and also in Germany and the Benelux but there are slight differences, not only between countries but also between regions in a country where the regions have legislative competency as in Spain and Germany (for example use of forest ways in the German Länder).

@Treskelion, I don't know where your e-trike fits in with the traditional bicycle, the common e-bike that Camino pilgrims use and motorised three-wheelers and two-wheelers. Since you said that you will restrict yourself to ways with about 2 m width, I don't see much of a problem.

This is a fact: Under Spanish Traffic Law, e-bikes and traditional bikes are treated the same. Where a traditional bicycle can go, an e-bike can go under Spanish law. This is what Spanish traffic law says. What the Cathedral Chapter of Santiago says about the qualification for a Compostela is a completely separate issue.

People are usually familiar with applicable traffic law for pedestrians and cyclists including e-bikers in urban areas. People are often not familiar with traffic law concerning the use of minor ways in non-urban areas - who is allowed to use them - cars? tractors? mopeds? motorbikes? bicycles? There are often no traffic signs whatsoever - you need to know, you need to inform yourself as user of any of these vehicles.

Spanish traffic law has carreteras (in general built and signposted "for vehicles") and caminos [sic] where they distinguish between caminos de servicio, vias forestales and vias pecuarias clasificadas como tales por su legislación especifica and then some other viales y caminos de competencia estatal where I have no clue what they are. My guess is that they are all equally open to pedestrians, cyclists and e-bikers as long as there is not a sign that prohibits their use in some way.

 

[Treskelion]

Roughly the same rules in France as in Spain and also in Germany and the Benelux but there are slight differences, not only between countries but also between regions in a country where the regions have legislative competency as in Spain and Germany (for example use of forest ways in the German Länder).

@Treskelion, I don't know where your e-trike fits in with the traditional bicycle, the common e-bike that Camino pilgrims use and motorised three-wheelers and two-wheelers. Since you said that you will restrict yourself to ways with about 2 m width, I don't see much of a problem.

This is a fact: Under Spanish Traffic Law, e-bikes and traditional bikes are treated the same. Where a traditional bicycle can go, an e-bike can go under Spanish law. This is what Spanish traffic law says. What the Cathedral Chapter of Santiago says about the qualification for a Compostela is a completely separate issue.

People are usually familiar with applicable traffic law for pedestrians and cyclists including e-biker in urban areas. People are often not familiar with traffic law concerning the use of minor ways in non-urban areas - who is allowed to use them - cars? tractors? mopeds? motorbikes? bicycles? There are often no traffic signs whatsoever - you need to know, you need to inform yourself as user of any of these vehicles.

Spanish traffic law has carreteras (in general built and signposted "for vehicles") and caminos [sic] where they distinguish between caminos de servicio, vias forestales and vias pecuarias clasificados como tales por su legicalación especifica and then some other viales y caminos de competencia estatal where I had no clue what they are. My guess is that they are all equally open to pedestrians, cyclists and e-bikers as long as there is not sign that prohibits its use in some way.

Hi Kathar1na,
First, thank you for your information briefs. They should give all a much greater appreciation of the differences between regions in Spain.
My e-Trike is limited to 250W & a max speed of 25kph assisted and no throttle (I wish). It is 69cm wide at the front 20” wheels (rear 26” wheel is fitted with a Rohloff IGB 500/14) and just under 2m long. I have 2 batteries (between them about 1100wh to allow for night-stops where charging isn’t possible or appropriate) for my Shimano EP8 motor (giving a max power of 85nm).
Kindest regards,
Vern

 

[grayland]

The thread has (as is usual) drifted far off from the original subject
The original post and conversation involved the granting of a Compostela to an e-bike rider who has obviously opted to use power in place of walking or pedaling.

The contribution by @Treskelion is really a bit of an outlier as he is using the e-trike as a needful assistance due to a physical requirement.
Hopefully, someone at the Pilgrims Office will do the common sense thing and understand that his use is not a prohibited case in order to receive a Compostela.

Like many, I have not had any compelling reason to obtain any more compostelas. I have pretty much lost track of the last few that I received. They do lose the luster after a certain number.

​

 

[Treskelion]

The thread has (as is usual) drifted far off from the original subject
The original post and conversation involved the granting of a Compostela to an e-bike rider who has obviously opted to use power in place of walking or pedaling.

The contribution by @Treskelion is really a bit of an outlier as he is using the e-trike as a needful assistance due to a physical requirement.
Hopefully, someone at the Pilgrims Office will do the common sense thing and understand that his use is not a prohibited case in order to receive a Compostela.

Like many, I have not had any compelling reason to obtain any more compostelas. I have pretty much lost track of the last few that I received. They do lose the luster after a certain number.

​

I am an outlier; both, in the sense that I have never come across the strength of feeling expressed AND I’m hoping to finish something I started. I would be delighted to obtain a Compostela if at all possible; but if not, then I will have other memories (and I won’t have to be quite so … there’s a word … about the admin ).

 

[Treskelion]

Naturally, if there was any doubt I could switch my motor off between a point 200km out and SDC inbound (I’ll have to see if my spine will let me); proof that I had no power would be easy to confirm, both my Garmin and Shimano record this. Presumably the able-bodied could do the same

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Yes but you need to ride on road, not the trail, it's not intended for bike epically battery powered. Also bike can't check into albergues until after 6pm. Obey rules!!!!!

Ok. The situation as regards to the Camino, it’s status, and the road rules - ie law - are kindly laid out by others above. Nowhere do they state that the Camino is not intended for bike riders, ebike or not. Rather the opposite in point of fact.

2/ Whilst some municipal Albergues may have specific rules regarding when bike riders can check in, not all do. And most private Albergues couldn’t care less.

Google them,educate yourself via camino rules and laws. Work it!

So in other words you have no sound source of information to share, simply miss-information.

As you are so keen on rules, may I take this opportunity to remind you of a Forum rule:

1) Please do not be rude, sarcastic, or insulting.

I have tried to correct you without being any of the above. If others think I have failed, I apologise

 

[Treskelion]

The thread has (as is usual) drifted far off from the original subject
The original post and conversation involved the granting of a Compostela to an e-bike rider who has obviously opted to use power in place of walking or pedaling.

The contribution by @Treskelion is really a bit of an outlier as he is using the e-trike as a needful assistance due to a physical requirement.
Hopefully, someone at the Pilgrims Office will do the common sense thing and understand that his use is not a prohibited case in order to receive a Compostela.

Like many, I have not had any compelling reason to obtain any more compostelas. I have pretty much lost track of the last few that I received. They do lose the luster after a certain number.

​

I have contacted the Pilgrim’s Office using Google Spanish (I know but hopefully shows willing to the staff who undoubtedly speak better, more precise English than I do).

This is what I send to oficinadelperegrino@catedraldecompostela.es :

Title:
Obtención de la Compostela para un peregrino con una discapacidad del 80%, documentación para acreditar la discapacidad, recorriendo en un triciclo eléctrico reclinado de 250w 1800 km ida y vuelta hasta 40100 Dax, Francia.


Email content:
Buenos días, señor/señora.



Me disculpo por utilizar el Traductor de Google, pero mi español no es suficiente para conversar.



Tengo una discapacidad del 80 % debido a un daño grave en las vértebras del cuello y los canales nerviosos, un daño grave en la región lumbar de la espalda y la extirpación de un tumor de la médula espinal en la posición T5 del tórax. Mis lesiones han sido bien documentadas tanto por las autoridades militares del Reino Unido como por las autoridades médicas francesas. Espero recorrer el Camino Francés en la primavera de 2025 usando mi triciclo eléctrico reclinado Azub de 250 W con pedales Shimano (¡sin acelerador!) (me recuesto en un asiento de apoyo) instalado con un portaequipajes King para llevar mis 10 kg de catéteres, 3 kg de bolsas urinarias, otros medicamentos que incluyen morfina y pregabalina (y algo de ropa). El viaje de regreso partiendo desde 40100 Dax, Francia, por el Camino Francés vía St Jean Pied-de-Port hasta Santiago de Compostela y luego regresar por la misma ruta del Camino (unos 1800 km en total en 6-7 semanas, con suerte). El tumor espinal extirpado en la posición T5 ha afectado muchas cosas debajo de mi pecho; eso incluye piernas debilitadas y falta de equilibrio (y detuvo mi peregrinación normal en bicicleta en 2014). El daño extenso en mi cuello y vértebras lumbares, nuevamente documentado, que impide cualquier posibilidad de caminar más de unos pocos pasos sin usar 2 bastones o un andador.



Mi pregunta es: ¿puedo, como ciclista con discapacidad documentada del 80% de un e-trike reclinado, solicitar una Compostela, por favor?



Gracias de antemano por su consideración y ayuda,

Me …. in France

 

[grayland]

Why is this thread still open?

I appears to have simply spiraled down into folks trading insults.

 

[Treskelion]

Why is this thread still open?

I appears to have simply spiraled down into folks trading insults.

If I receive a reply from the busy folk at the Pilgrim’s Office as copied above, I will pop it on here whether positive or negative. It may be of interest to other disabled riders (hopefully less disabled than me).

 

[Treskelion]

If I receive a reply from the busy folk at the Pilgrim’s Office as copied above, I will pop it on here whether positive or negative. It may be of interest to other disabled riders (hopefully less disabled than me).

I have received a positive response to my personal plea from the Centro Internacional de Acogida al Peregrino. Because the responses are personal to that individual they are not for publication, each case will be considered on a case by case basis.

The positive advice, offered by Kathar1na and others, could save many disabled individuals from further angst … this email address worked, for disabled pilgrims to explain their circumstances : oficinadelperegrino@catedraldecompostela.es

 

[Kathar1na]

BTW, below is a screenshot from a webcam a few kilometres before Santiago.

It is a normal road for motorised traffic and at the same time it is "the Camino".

It nicely illustrates how Camino pilgrims walk: all over the place. In the middle of the road, on the left side of the road and on the right side, and sometimes several people abreast. Sometimes they are more disciplined with all of them walking on the left side of the road (in the direction of walking) but not every Camino pilgrim is familiar with the rules of the Traffic Code that are applicable to themselves, as one can see.

 

[Treskelion]

Your camera capture just reinforced my bell & air horn requirement, so I have just ordered a new airzoundxl for the e-Trike to tackle the “herding of cats” (insert trekkers or pilgrims) along the Camino … due to my restricted drugs, now looks like 2 stages for parking the RV (first at StJPDP in October, second somewhere past Burgos in late March). The e-Trike will traverse StJPDP to somewhere past Burgos (halfway though drugs & catheters will tell me when to turn around) & return to StJPDP in October, then somewhere past Burgos to Santiago de Compostela in early Spring using shared trails, tracks and roads greater than 2m wide. SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) will want the RV back for the beaches in May . I’ll use 2 passports, one to record my travels towards Santiago de Compostela, the other for the return (plus my efforts in 2014 that started from 79500 Melle on a DF bike).

 

[JabbaPapa]

If, for health reasons, they can't complete a Camino without an ebike than so be it. The Camino is already overcrowded and not everyone has to do everything.

The disabled have that possibility. Desiring to exclude some pilgrims for health "reasons" that seem mostly to be concerned with one's own personal comfort primarily, seems dodgy from my POV.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I endorse Grayland’s comments. The Camino is big business. People do various stages by taxis or trains, having their packs transported, and for more than a decade groups have been doing the whole business by bus and still getting a Compostela. Early morning I passed one albergue on the outskirts of a village and thirty or more pilgrims were just exiting to board their bus parked outside. A Swiss lady I walked with occasionally and caught up with in Santiago de C said just the day before a busload of American tourists she had seen previously along the way had stopped a bit up from the Pilgrim Office and they all trooped in. On one of the public notice boards in Grenada I saw an advertisement to do it all by bus and get a Compostela. One of the best Camino books I’ve read( by the founder of Medicins sans frontiers) records pilgrims turning up at a monastery-run albergue and from what I recall being confied to the virtual chook pen and fed slps which the busload of tourists who turned up were duchessed. I can’t see anything wrong with using an E-bike. No sense worrying about it or whether or not the “rules” are rigidly applied.if you are, check with the Pilgrim Office - I suspect they would be gracious and flexible.

There is nothing wrong with such sports or health activities, but they have little to do with the Christian Pilgrimage at its most essential.

Let me repeat : NOTHING wrong.

Much of our purpose as pilgrims is just silent witness as we walk along our ways.

Being judged from our own actions along the Camino is far healthier than pretending to judge others.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I have contacted the Pilgrim’s Office using Google Spanish (I know but hopefully shows willing to the staff who undoubtedly speak better, more precise English than I do).

This is what I send to oficinadelperegrino@catedraldecompostela.es :

Title:
Obtención de la Compostela para un peregrino con una discapacidad del 80%, documentación para acreditar la discapacidad, recorriendo en un triciclo eléctrico reclinado de 250w 1800 km ida y vuelta hasta 40100 Dax, Francia.


Email content:
Buenos días, señor/señora.



Me disculpo por utilizar el Traductor de Google, pero mi español no es suficiente para conversar.



Tengo una discapacidad del 80 % debido a un daño grave en las vértebras del cuello y los canales nerviosos, un daño grave en la región lumbar de la espalda y la extirpación de un tumor de la médula espinal en la posición T5 del tórax. Mis lesiones han sido bien documentadas tanto por las autoridades militares del Reino Unido como por las autoridades médicas francesas. Espero recorrer el Camino Francés en la primavera de 2025 usando mi triciclo eléctrico reclinado Azub de 250 W con pedales Shimano (¡sin acelerador!) (me recuesto en un asiento de apoyo) instalado con un portaequipajes King para llevar mis 10 kg de catéteres, 3 kg de bolsas urinarias, otros medicamentos que incluyen morfina y pregabalina (y algo de ropa). El viaje de regreso partiendo desde 40100 Dax, Francia, por el Camino Francés vía St Jean Pied-de-Port hasta Santiago de Compostela y luego regresar por la misma ruta del Camino (unos 1800 km en total en 6-7 semanas, con suerte). El tumor espinal extirpado en la posición T5 ha afectado muchas cosas debajo de mi pecho; eso incluye piernas debilitadas y falta de equilibrio (y detuvo mi peregrinación normal en bicicleta en 2014). El daño extenso en mi cuello y vértebras lumbares, nuevamente documentado, que impide cualquier posibilidad de caminar más de unos pocos pasos sin usar 2 bastones o un andador.



Mi pregunta es: ¿puedo, como ciclista con discapacidad documentada del 80% de un e-trike reclinado, solicitar una Compostela, por favor?



Gracias de antemano por su consideración y ayuda,

Me …. in France

That is an absolutely brilliant post.

But nevertheless probably unnecessary.

Go to Santiago - - the Camino does provide !!

 

[ginniek]

The bike rider can dismount and walk the bike past the walkers or slow down - a lot.

Never heard it in California or Oregon. Must be regional. I just yell bike to let others in front of me know. I think the "back" is implied. If the bike were in front it would be obvious.

Never heard it in the Southeast US either.

 

[AnnabelleAvila]

The use of e-bikes on the Camino is definitely a topic that sparks debate, especially when it comes to earning the Compostela. Traditionally, the Compostela has been awarded to those who walk, bike, or ride a horse for at least the last 100 kilometers to Santiago, and the intention behind it is for people to undertake the pilgrimage with a sense of effort and reflection. Personally, I don't think it's necessary.
That said, it's tough to enforce, and as you mentioned, people might still claim a Compostela using e-bikes, even if it goes against the guidelines. It's a bit of a gray area that the Pilgrim's Office is probably trying to address, but the reality is that it’s up to each pilgrim’s conscience to respect the pilgrimage's spirit.

 

[Bradypus]

A company has just installed their first solar-powered e-bike charger in Tardajos on the Camino Frances. I wonder if the change in policy by the pilgrim office will change the numbers using e-bikes on the Caminos and have a long term effect on the aim to install more.

Un cargador de e-bikes con energía solar en el Camino de Santiago

Energía solar directa a la batería de tu bicicleta eléctrica. Sostenibilidad en mayúsculas en el Camino de Santiago. La empresa de tótems solares Solarcycle ha instalado la primera de sus soluciones en Tardajos, provincia de Burgos, su primer cargador a lo largo del Camino de Santiago.

ciclosfera.com

 

[Skinnybiker]

Un cargador de ebikes en el Camino, it had to happen eventually, progress, opportunity but why Tardajos 12km out of Burgos? Ebikers will have charged up in Burgos, presumably. So will bike-friendly albergues start installing these charging machines, and restaurants, bars, hotels etc along the Camino?

Riding (ebikes with my wife) recently on the Elberadweg from Dresden to Prague we found quite a network of charging stations along the way, more so in Cz. We surmised that businesses where keen to install them to attract the wealthier ebiker. Look on Mapy.cz then search for charging stations.

Perhaps this is the start of an ebike proliferation on the Camino, build charging station(s) and the ebikers will come. Feathers will be ruffled amongst the traditional peregrinos. In my defence, as the messenger, I do own an ebike (full sus trail bike) but would never use it en Camino..... I ride the Camino unassisted for now. Richard

 

[Treskelion]

Just bought a multi-socket cube so I don’t inconvenience others whilst limping along on my e-Trike in 3 weeks or so.

 

[grayland]

I am confused and not attempting to cause further annoyance ....but what is the difference between riding an electric power "bike" and a petrol powered "bike" to travel a Camino route?
It seems that there is a tiny bit of acceptance (not compostela) but not anyone making a case for gas power.

Is there actually a higher acceptance of one mode of power over the other?

 

[Treskelion]

I’ll let you take mine up a 10% hill … you’ll soon understand the difference between foot push/cadence (dependent whether Shimano/Bosch etc) and using a throttle. EUROPE not US of …. Aaagh not this again

 

[henrythedog]

I am confused and not attempting to cause further annoyance ....but what is the difference between riding an electric power "bike" and a petrol powered "bike" to travel a Camino route?
It seems that there is a tiny bit of acceptance (not compostela) but not anyone making a case for gas power.

Is there actually a higher acceptance of one mode of power over the other?

No difference.

However - for anyone so sufficiently disabled that they cannot walk the minimum 100km; I don’t care if they arrive by helicopter.

Disability and lifestyle choice are, however, different. In my opinion.

 

[Treskelion]

No difference.

However - for anyone so sufficiently disabled that they cannot walk the minimum 100km; I don’t care if they arrive by helicopter.

Disability and lifestyle choice are, however, different. In my opinion.

Really? 250W street legal eBike (or e-Trike) and a petrol engine … pray tell me the “no difference”.