A video posted on Facebook by ARC Noticias captures a risky nighttime motorcycle stunt in Guanajay, Artemisa province, featuring a young woman sitting backwards on the motorcycle without a helmet or any protective gear.
Under the tagline "Guanajay Activo," the clip shows the rider lifting the front wheel—a move commonly known as a "wheelie"—while the female passenger clings to him, at significant risk of a potentially fatal fall.
Filmed at night on a road lined with vegetation, the footage depicts a low-powered motorcycle equipped with red LED lights underneath.
ARC Noticias shared the video with a critical tone, expressing outrage: "They post this on social media, so proud. Let's see how they feel when families and mothers are left in tears."
Ongoing Issue with Reckless Stunts
This incident is not an isolated case. Back in July 2025, a young man was arrested in Havana after a viral video showed him performing similar stunts on Boyeros Avenue without a license or registration, using a modified bike to facilitate his tricks. He faced detention, a warning, and was required to remove the modifications.
The Cuban Road Safety Code—Law 109—mandates that motorcycle riders and passengers wear secured helmets and prohibits reckless maneuvers on public roads. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and the culture of sharing these "feats" on social media prevails.
Alarming Traffic Statistics
The video becomes even more concerning in the light of official statistics released in February 2026. In 2025, Cuba recorded 7,538 traffic accidents, resulting in 750 deaths and 6,718 injuries.
Motorcycles and scooters were involved in 63% of these incidents, and authorities attribute 91% of accidents to human error, including speeding, recklessness, and helmet neglect.
The province of Artemisa, home to Guanajay, has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent months. In September 2025, a 16-year-old died in a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Las Mangas. Weeks later, another young woman from the same area passed away after 21 days in a coma due to a motorcycle crash.
The increasing use of motorcycles as transportation amid fuel shortages and deteriorating public transit has led to heightened accident rates in Cuba. The spread of dangerous stunts on social media fosters a culture of impunity that inevitably ends in tragedy.
Understanding the Risks of Motorcycle Stunts in Cuba
Why are motorcycle stunts becoming more common in Cuba?
The rise in motorcycle stunts is linked to the increased use of motorcycles due to fuel shortages and inadequate public transportation, combined with a culture of sharing risky behaviors on social media.
What does the Cuban Road Safety Code say about helmets?
Cuban law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that are properly fastened, and it prohibits dangerous maneuvers on public roads.
How significant is the impact of human error on traffic accidents in Cuba?
Human error is a major factor, responsible for 91% of traffic accidents. Common issues include speeding, reckless driving, and failure to use helmets.