South America Warning

[Mike the Bike]

This is a serious warning to anyone riding in South America and particularly Brazil.

I have just been through Sao Paulo, Lins, Promissao, Parati, Rio, Juis de Fora and Uba. Most local motoboys [125cc delivery bikers] are now using what looks like telescopic radio aerials, with a forward facing hook on the top, fitted to their handlebars. I thought it was just a fashion accessory, until I asked a motoboy.

The street kids are stretching throat height wires across the roads, or flying kites [pipa's] at the road side, with ground glass stuck to the kite string. The intention is to dive the kite as you pass, to catch you under the chin. They are after the motoboys loads, be it a pizza, shopping delivery, or whatever is in the box.

I asked the motoboy how many bikers he had heard of being hurt. He said "pipa's morte muito motoqueiro's", which is why they all use the wire cutters.

If you are in South America and see the motoboys with "radio aerials" on their handlebars, be very careful. I dread this trend spreading elsewhere.
Please, take care.