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

Crazed Driver Plows Through Critical Mass in Brazil

(There's a graphic video of the actual attack available here.)

A lot of critics of group bicycle rides, especially Critical Mass, like to claim that they'd like nothing more than to drive through it in their SUVs. Apparently one maniac in Brazil decided to give that a try.

At last Friday's Porto Alegre Critical Mass, the driver of a Black Volkswagen Golf plowed through a group of 130 cyclists. Fifty of them were hit. Two were in critical condition as of Saturday night. Following the assault, the driver of the Golf ditched the weapon and fled on foot from the unmarked car. The police identified Ricardo José Neis as the lead suspect.

The above video shows the aftermath of the attack. The narration has been translated as:

"I am? here at the Critical Mass ride. A car just ran over with the entire critical mass ride. At full speed! A black VW Golf. He hit everybody!! Are you seeing this?!

What a horrible thing... oh my GOD. Someone call the police, call the ambulance

Police! Call the? Police!! The Ambulance!?

Everyone is scared, son.

A car hit the whole, entire Critical Mass ride!! At full speed.

Voice: What's going on?

This is the most horrible thing I've ever seen! I cannot believe"

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Not So Fast! We Rode NYC Ferry with Would-Be Council Speaker Amanda Farías

Council Member Julie Menin claims she has the votes to be the next Speaker, but Bronx Council Member Amanda Farías has shown a lot more interest in livable streets issues.

November 28, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: Jonathan Lethem’s ‘Program’s Progress’

Class struggle. Infirm secondary superheroes. Suicidal sheep. It’s all in Jonathan Lethem's new collection of short stories, "A Different Kind of Tension." Here's one — featuring class struggle with cars!

November 28, 2025

Special Post-Thanksgiving Friday Video: The Positive Economics of Bike Lanes

Some yahoo in Montreal said that whatever bike lanes cost, they're too expensive! Well, no they're not.

November 28, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Curbside Slide Edition

Good-bye, streeteries, we hardly knew ye. Plus other news.

November 28, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Giving Thanks(ish) Edition

Yes, let's give thanks. But let us also not forget why we're so lucky. Plus other news for your holiday day off.

November 27, 2025

‘Gold Standard’ Open Street Has Two Paths Forward To Become True ‘Paseo Park’

The DOT is contemplating two options for the 1.3 mile-long linear park in Jackson Heights. Which would you choose?

November 26, 2025
See all posts