Havanna Bikes, Documentary About Cuban Bicycle Culture

This great 2014 short documentary about the Cuban bicycle culture is an eye opening look at the results of the country’s transportation crisis during the 90’s and how people are getting by with the lack of new bicycles since the crisis ended.

About Havanna Bikes
“Cuba underwent a bicycle revolution in the 1990s during its five year ‘Special Period’. Oil was scarce as a result of tough economic constraints, and throughout those years of austerity, bicycles where introduced as an alternative mode of transport. Thousands of Cubans used bicycles on a regular basis, as pedaling became the norm on the island.
Years later, the transportation crisis subsided and motorized vehicles returned, and the country’s bicycle culture took a hit. Now, new bikes are difficult to come by and parts are not readily available, yet many Cubans still use bicycles daily and, despite the limited resources, a handful of mechanics provide a service to those who rely on their bikes in their everyday lives.
Plenty of cyclists roam the streets of Havana and the rest of Cuba. Ángel, a typical bike riding Habanero, provides a brief insight into Cuban bicycle culture and the importance of bike mechanics in the capital as we come across both riders and repairmen.”

The documentary went on to win awards in a few film festivals:
WINNER: FIAB AWARD, SICILIAMBIENTE DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL 2015
JURIED PRIZE WINNER: 4TH ANNUAL BIKE SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL
3RD PRIZE WINNER: VELOBERLIN FILM AWARD 2015
Read the whole story on DiegoVivanco.com