Badalona installs five handrails for accessible beach access

The coastal city of Badalona has installed five stainless steel handrails on its beaches to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility, elderly visitors, and families. The initiative, expanded from a two-handrail pilot in 2025, aims to make beach entry safer and more inclusive Source: infobae, lavanguardia.

The installation

The handrails are placed on three of the city's most frequented beaches: two at Playa de los Pescadors, two at Playa del Pont de la Botifarreta, and one at Playa del Coco Source: infobae. However, La Vanguardia's headline mentions four beaches, though the article only lists three locations, creating a minor discrepancy in the number of beaches served Source: lavanguardia. Each handrail is 12 meters long, made of stainless steel for durability against the marine environment, and features a modular design that adapts to the slope of the sand. They are removable and will be stored after the summer season for reuse Source: infobae, lavanguardia.

Community response

Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol stated, “Of all the beaches in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, we in Badalona are the only ones who have installed these elements that help many people enjoy bathing in the sea” Source: lavanguardia. The expansion follows positive feedback from the 2025 pilot, where two handrails were tested on Playa de los Pescadors and Playa del Pont del Petroli Source: lavanguardia. Infobae notes that the handrails foster autonomy and confidence, transforming the beach into a reference for inclusive tourism Source: infobae.