On the winding roads of the Collada de Toses and the B-124 in Catalonia, large white ellipses near the center line of dangerous curves are catching motorcyclists' attention. Introduced in October 2025, the markings are designed to guide riders away from the most hazardous part of the lane and keep both the motorcycle and the rider's body within the safety of their own side.
The Servei Català de Trànsit released an initial study on June 2, 2026, which found that 65% of observed motorcyclists followed the path recommended by the ellipses. The markings are not intended to dictate speed or replace existing road signs. Instead, they offer a visual cue, encouraging riders to approach curves farther from the center line and reducing the risk of crossing into oncoming traffic when leaning into a turn.
How the Markings Work
The white ellipses are positioned on the inside of selected high-risk curves, close to the central road line. Motorcyclists are advised to ride on the side of the ellipse farthest from the center, without crossing the marking itself. This subtle change in trajectory is meant to keep the bike in a safer zone and reduce the chance of the rider's body entering the opposite lane during a lean. The system is purely advisory. Riders still need to manage speed information from road conditions and follow vertical signage.
If a rider notices the markings too late, experts recommend avoiding sudden corrections and keeping attention on stability and available space rather than the paint. The markings add a safety tool alongside advanced rider assistance systems (ADAS and ARAS), but cannot replace the fundamentals of safe riding technique.
Origins and Expansion
The first documented trial of these markings in Spain began in October 2019 on the BV-2115 near the Foix reservoir. The Servei Català de Trànsit monitored 22 curves over a 3.7-kilometer stretch, using cameras to analyze rider trajectories. The project expanded in 2025 to the Collada de Toses and the B-124 between Sant Llorenç Savall and Calders. In the B-124 trial, 236 out of 363 observed motorcyclists followed the recommended line over a 25-day period. While these figures point to a positive shift in behavior, authorities caution that at least two years of data are needed to determine any real impact on accident rates.
Not a National Standard
Since July 2025, Spain's official road sign catalog has included the M-8.4 marking for motorcyclists and cyclists, which warns of especially dangerous curves and identifies areas of the lane to avoid. But, the M-8.4 consists of pairs of short bars near the center line, not the large ellipses used in the Catalan trials. The designs share a preventive aim but differ in appearance and are not interchangeable. The M-8.4 is classified as non-mandatory and requires technical reports and additional signage when used in pilot projects. There is currently no evidence of a nationwide rollout of the Catalan-style ellipses.
International Experience and Limitations
Some optimism about these markings comes from Austria, where similar experiments in the Tirol region reportedly led to an 80% reduction in motorcycle accidents on certain curves, according to the DGT's official magazine. But, a separate analysis by the Austrian KFV found a 42% drop in injury crashes and a impressive increase in riders choosing safer lines. It also noted that results varied and sample sizes were small. These findings cannot be applied directly to Spanish roads without further study.
In 2025, Spain recorded 304 motorcyclist fatalities, with 232 deaths occurring on conventional roads. Vulnerable users accounted for 40% of all road deaths, highlighting the ongoing need for preventive measures and enforcement, including the use of unmarked police motorcycles in high-risk areas.
Early responses to Catalonia's white ellipses suggest a positive effect on rider behavior, but their impact on safety will require continued analysis. For now, the markings are a cautious step toward reducing risk on some of the region's most challenging roads.
