A video circulating on social media captures the dramatic moment a Cuban cyclist lost control and fell after hitting a pothole on a dark road. Shared on Facebook by user Saúl Manuel, the footage quickly went viral, sparking a wave of outrage and sympathy from viewers.
The video depicts the cyclist navigating an entirely unlit and damaged roadway before crashing hard onto the pavement after encountering a hole. The incident was recorded by onlookers from a nearby vehicle.
Commenters pointed out that the pitch-black conditions and poor road quality were key factors in the accident, which fortunately left the cyclist uninjured despite the harrowing experience amid passing cars.
Many responses empathized with the cyclist, highlighting the lack of essential safety resources and the deplorable state of road infrastructure. Such deficiencies are a harsh reality for many Cubans, who are forced to rely on bicycles and other makeshift transportation due to the public transport crisis.
The reactions were swift. "We're worse off than when Columbus arrived in Cuba," wrote one user, while another lamented, "How sad, my God, how long will this continue in Cuba?" Similar stories surfaced, including one from a young man who fractured his wrist and hand after falling into a pothole while cycling.
Criticism also targeted the government's neglect of road maintenance and questioned the allocation of taxes and mandatory fees paid by drivers. "We drivers are heroes, navigating destroyed roads amidst fines and mistreatment," remarked another user.
The accident also sparked discussions on road safety and the perils of cycling without lights at night. In addition to the potholes, the absence of street lighting and basic conditions turns any journey into a hazard.
Common expressions in the comments included "poor thing," "what a shame," and "it broke my heart." One user encapsulated the collective sentiment: "It's a horror movie we're living."
This incident underscores the harsh reality faced by cyclists and drivers in Cuba, caught between crumbling roads, power outages, and a system failing to ensure safety.
Recent Accidents Highlight Cuba's Road Crisis
The most recent fatal accident occurred on August 7, 2025, on the National Highway near Matanzas, where a cyclist was struck and killed by a car traveling from Havana to Cienfuegos. According to official reports, the cyclist attempted to cross without pausing at a traffic sign and was hit directly. This tragedy once again highlighted the vulnerability of cyclists on fast roads, where infrastructure and signage are inadequate for safety.
Just weeks earlier, on July 17, 2025, an almost 70-year-old man died in Camagüey while operating a bicitaxi. Witnesses recounted that the victim was pedaling along his usual route when he suddenly collapsed and died on the spot. His death stirred public concern, not just because of his age, but also because it exposed the risks faced by informal transport workers enduring grueling shifts under precarious conditions with minimal protection.
Days before that, on July 11, 2025, an accident on the Moa-Baracoa road in Holguín involved a Diana bus and an electric bicycle, injuring seven people, one critically. Social media images revealed the road's deterioration and the severity of the collision, once again highlighting the vulnerability of light vehicles in the presence of heavy traffic.
Understanding the Challenges of Road Safety in Cuba
What factors contributed to the cyclist's accident in Cuba?
The accident was primarily caused by the lack of street lighting and the poor condition of the road, which included numerous potholes. These factors made it difficult for the cyclist to navigate safely.
How are Cuban roads impacting cyclists and drivers?
Cuban roads, often in disrepair and poorly lit, pose significant dangers to both cyclists and drivers. This situation forces many to rely on inadequate transportation means, increasing the risk of accidents.
What is the public's reaction to road conditions in Cuba?
The public has expressed outrage and sympathy, criticizing the lack of road maintenance and questioning the use of taxes. Many share personal stories of similar accidents, highlighting widespread frustration.