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

Delivery Apps Have Stolen $550M From Workers By Changing How Customers Tip: Mamdani Admin. Report

The average tip on UberEats and DoorDash is just 76¢ per delivery — compared to $2.17 on apps that offer the option to tip before checkout.

January 13, 2026

NJ Pols Want Registration Of Low-Speed E-Bikes, Despite Driver Mayhem

A restrictive e-bike registration bill is one step closer to becoming law in the Garden State.

January 13, 2026

Go ACE! Bus Stops Are Clearer Than Ever Thanks To MTA’s Bus-Mounted Camera Enforcement

Automated cameras are clearing up bus stops across the city.

January 13, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: It’s a Tracker Edition

Check it out: We're tracking if Mayor Mamdani will delivery where Mayor Eric Adams failed. Plus other news.

January 13, 2026

BREAKING: Brooklyn Judge Dismisses Court St. Bike Lane Lawsuit

Justice Inga O'Neale dismissed the lawsuit by the Court Street Merchants Association.

January 12, 2026

‘It’s About Execution’: Mamdani Deputy Mayor Slams Adams for ‘Interference’ With Bus Projects

The Mamdani administration revived a Madison Avenue bus lane project that officials said was stalled by the previous mayor's team.

January 12, 2026
See all posts