Two women who stopped in a bike lane to take photos for social media were investigated for manslaughter after the death of a cyclist in Passo Fundo, in the north of Rio Grande do Sul. The accident occurred last Thursday (4), on Avenida Brasil Oeste, in the Boqueirão neighborhood.
Cyclist Cleocir Jorge dos Santos, 54 years old, was traveling through the space designated for bicycles when he collided with the two pedestrians. With the impact, he lost his balance, fell onto the road and was run over by a car traveling in the direction of Centro-Boqueirão.
Police officer points out inappropriate conduct by pedestrians
Delegate Daniela Minetto, head of the Passo Fundo Homicide and Personal Protection Police Station (DHPP), stated that the images analyzed by the investigation show women using an exclusive space for cyclists in an inappropriate way. They should be heard later this week. Their identities were not disclosed, but they reside in Carazinho, a neighboring municipality.
According to the Civil Police, their objective was to record photos for social media. The authority classified the action as completely inappropriate and indicated that the conduct may have directly contributed to the sequence of events that resulted in the death.
Family members reported constant risks on the bike path
For Cleocirc’s family members, risky episodes involving pedestrians on the cycle path were already recurring. Nephew Rafael Iarchescki said that his uncle often mentioned problems, such as almost falling or running over someone.
Cleocir worked as an app driver and locksmith. He maintained the habit of cycling frequently, mainly to take care of his health, and was known in the community for his active routine.
Passo Fundo has 37 km of cycling network with coexistence challenges
The municipality has more than 37 kilometers of cycling network, distributed in avenues and parks. In newer sections, there is a clear separation between the cycle path and the pedestrian path. In older spaces, such as Avenida Brasil Oeste, the division is not always well defined, which increases the risk of conflicts.
The municipal secretary of Public Security, Tadeu Trindade, reinforced the rules: in cycle lanes exclusively for cyclists, pedestrians must use the sidewalk. Signage tries to provide guidance, but awareness is still a daily challenge.
Cyclists take action for safety after the tragedy
On Sunday (8), cyclists from Passo Fundo held a demonstration in Praça da Mãe to demand more respect for traffic rules and greater road safety. The event brought together pedal groups, the victim’s family and supporters, with requests for awareness to prevent the case from happening again.
