Cyclist Death Toll Increases by Almost Eighty Percent in São Paulo through July

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The number of cyclists killed in the city of São Paulo increased by nearly eighty percent between January and July 2019, against the same period in 2018, according to data from the state government released on Monday, August 19th.

There were fourteen deaths recorded in the first six months of 2018, against 25 over the same period in 2019. The data were disclosed on the date Cyclist’s Day is celebrated.

Anyone who is a bicycle enthusiast is concerned about safety in São Paulo, yet enjoys the ease of movement, in addition to its health benefits.

According to the latest survey on the origin and destination of the São Paulo Metrô, the number of people using the bicycle as their main means of transportation has increased by 24 percent in the capital since 2007.

In the Faria Lima region, 370 bicycles travel in both directions every day.

The number of cyclists has also increased in trains: the number of bicycles loaded and unloaded at the São Paulo Metropolitan Train Company (CPTM) has increased from 13,000 in 2009 to 57,000 in 2019: up by 432 percent.

On the Esmeralda line alone, there were 17,000 boardings.

On weekdays, the train cars only allow bicycles to board after 8:30 PM and not all stations allow its access.