Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

Bike Beats Helicopter in Traffic-Choked São Paulo

The average commuter in São Paulo, Brazil spends nearly three hours a day stuck in traffic. Gridlock is so prevalent and stifling that the wealthy prefer to get about via helicopter. But the recent São Paulo Intermodal Challenge suggests that human-powered ground transport may be the way to go. PSFK reports:

The means of transportation chosen ranged from cars, bikes, motorbikes, and a helicopter to buses, metro, their own feet and even a wheelchair. Contrary to all forecasts, a biker won the challenge, with a total time of 22 minutes -- more than 10 minutes faster than the person on the helicopter, who spent a total of 33 minutes and 30 seconds between going to the heliport, waiting for takeoff clearance, flying and landing. The car came way behind, with a total time of 1:22 -- slower than the runner, who took 1:06, the bus (1:11) and just 10 minutes faster than the person who chose to walk the whole path (1:32).

Maybe Mayor Mike could save his next chopper ride for next year's TA commuter race.

(h/t Brooklyn)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Streetsies 2025 (And Friday Video!): Vote for Your Favorite Clips of the Year

A New York Met, the birth of "No Kings," and Cuomo running a stop sign are just some of the best things we caught on camera this year.

December 26, 2025

Memo to Mamdani: Support the QueensLink for Better Mass Transit

The Rockaways needs the transit benefits of QueensLink. Our contributor hopes the new mayor puts his weight behind the concept.

December 26, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Worst From Albany

Albany had its fair share of screw ups in 2025. Take a gander at the worst to come out of state government this year.

December 26, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Best from Albany

It's that time of year again! Albany often disappoints, but state officials got a few things right, we guess...

December 26, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Boxing Day Edition

Yesterday was Christmas, but we still have a full news digest for you today.

December 26, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Merry Christmas Edition

Day off today, but we'll be back tomorrow.

December 25, 2025
See all posts