Madrid's robust subway network is one of the cushiest in the world, but don't get too comfy—especially if you're a guy. Fueled by a rash of male riders stretching their legs to occupy more than one seat on subway trains, a move often referred to as "manspreading," the Spanish capital officially banned the practice on all public transportation in 2017.
The government decree came after months of petitioning and protesting from women-led organizations sick of fighting for space on crowded commutes. Their hashtag #MadridSinManspreading (#MadridWithoutManspreading) quickly went viral and forced the hand of Madrid's then-mayor Manuela Carmena. Within weeks, Madrid's metro features signs explaining the prohibition of the spread, and men fell in line.
The Spanish city isn't the first major metropolis to crack down on selfish seating, however. New York City had a similar campaign aimed at manspreading in 2014, and even employed the catchy slogan, "Dude, stop the spread" (a catchphrase that admittedly hasn't aged well in post-pandemic times). For months, New York City police enforced the measure by arresting manspreading perps, though charges were almost always dropped.
So far there have been no known arrests for manspreading in Madrid, but that doesn't mean metro riders aren't under a watchful eye. Remember, the next time you're in the land of Los Gatos, keep your legs to yourself.
