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Barcelona City Council Actions and Incidents This Week
The council moves on bike-sharing, a sinkhole, heat risks, graffiti removal and a building fire shape local developments.
How we reported this
Barcelona City Council is phasing out the dockless bike-sharing service starting in 2027, with over 2,000 bikes already towed and 5,400 fines issued. Three buildings in El Putxet were evacuated due to an 8-meter-deep sinkhole caused by Metro Line L9 construction. Barcelona is facing a third heat wave with temperatures expected to hit 40°C, leaving 72 municipalities in Catalonia at extreme risk. The City Council has begun removing legal graffiti walls at Tres Xemeneies park in Poble-sec to enable urban redevelopment, sparking backlash from artists. A serious fire in an apartment building near Passeig de Sant Joan and Gràcia caused significant damage and smoke inhalation injuries but no fatalities.
Bike-sharing phase-out begins
The council decision to end the dockless service from 2027 follows enforcement action that has already removed more than 2,000 bikes and issued 5,400 fines. Residents near central districts have seen increased towing activity in recent days as operators prepare for the full withdrawal.
Sinkhole forces evacuations
Three buildings in El Putxet were cleared after an 8-meter-deep sinkhole opened during Metro Line L9 construction work. Local emergency teams have secured the area while engineers assess further ground stability around the affected site.
Third heat wave hits Catalonia
Temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C across Barcelona amid the current heat wave. Seventy-two municipalities in Catalonia now sit under extreme risk warnings issued by regional authorities.
Graffiti walls removed at park
Removal of legal graffiti walls has started at Tres Xemeneies park in Poble-sec as part of planned urban redevelopment. Artists have voiced opposition to the loss of the designated spaces.
Apartment fire causes injuries
Fire crews responded to a serious blaze in a building near the junction of Passeig de Sant Joan and Gràcia. The incident produced heavy damage and smoke inhalation injuries, though no deaths were recorded.
Next steps for residents
People affected by any of these events can check updates through official Barcelona City Council channels and local emergency services for guidance on safety measures and service changes.