On Saturday morning, a cyclist tragically lost their life in Havana after being struck by a driver who reportedly fled the scene. The incident was shared on social media by Leonardo Campo Martínez, who reported the accident occurred near his workplace.
"Right now, right in front of my workplace. A man dead. Hit from behind and the driver took off," wrote the user on Facebook, posting images of the accident site. The cyclist's body, covered by a black tarp, lay on the sidewalk next to a mangled bicycle. Police and forensic teams were present, conducting their investigations.
As of this writing, additional details about this tragic event remain unknown. Our team reached out to the person who posted about the incident, who confirmed it took place on 101 Avenue in Cotorro but could not provide further details on how the collision occurred.
Neither the authorities nor official media outlets have commented on this unfortunate accident.
Traffic Accidents Involving Cyclists: An Ongoing Concern in Cuba
In Cuba, traffic accidents involving cyclists continue to claim lives, affecting people of varying ages across the nation. Recent months have seen several tragic incidents that have deeply unsettled the population.
In late December 2024, a cyclist died after being hit by a vehicle on Havana's Monumental Avenue, a major thoroughfare where traffic incidents have become increasingly common. In November, another senior citizen riding a bicycle was fatally struck by a truck, a case that shocked Havana residents.
The situation is equally dire for younger cyclists. In January 2025, a two-year-old child died in a cycling accident in Chambas, Ciego de Ávila, and in December 2024, a 14-year-old teenager was killed in Santiago de Cuba after being hit by a car.
Contributing factors to the high number of road casualties in Cuba include inadequate infrastructure, poor signage, a deteriorating vehicle fleet, and disregard for traffic laws. Limited official statistics and the frequent lack of state media coverage exacerbate public concern over road safety on the island.
Understanding Road Safety Challenges in Cuba
What are the main causes of cycling accidents in Cuba?
The primary causes include inadequate road infrastructure, poor signage, deterioration of vehicles, and non-compliance with traffic regulations.
How does the Cuban government respond to traffic accidents?
Official responses are often limited, with state media frequently failing to report on these incidents, leaving the public concerned about road safety.
Are there any recent efforts to improve road safety for cyclists in Cuba?
There have been limited efforts, and the lack of significant improvements in infrastructure and enforcement of traffic laws continues to put cyclists at risk.