It appears that the EMT (Madrid's Municipal Transport Company) is going to incorporate a specific pictogram to prevent 'manspreading' (they explain this as an English term that refers to the posture of men who open their legs excessively). Apparently this is similar to what already exists in other transport systems worldwide; I've not seen it before although now I note that in NY there have been arrests for it more than two years ago, although "the judge expressed her skepticism about the charge because of the time of the arrests: "12:11AM, I can't believe there were many people on the subway"". Back to EMT, Madrid Town Hall's newsletter has the details, all in Spanish. There will be screams from many 'machos' against 'feminists' but in reality this is really just good manners regarding taking up too much space although I do know that there are members of the fairer sex who just think it's guys trying to display their goods or pretend they're well endowed but to be honest, even those with impressive 'wedding tackle' (no doubt that phrase will insult some as well...in fact calling females the 'fairer sex' triggers some!!) should be able to sit perfectly comfortably with their legs shoulder width apart. Rafa de la Rosa explains wonderfully on his Twitter feed (also in Spanish but the images anyone can understand!). When seen in context (image below) along with 'no littering', 'no smoking', 'no feet on seats' etc., you'll see this is nothing to get too upset about.
