Cars are Traffic - Road Riding in Mexico City

As I state in the intro, not your typical tourist route, but one that I'm fond of. There is sense to the chaos if you allow it to happen and do no try to control it, but to try be invisible inside of it. Most cyclists try to be visible to stay safe, but once drivers see a cyclist they start to behave in ways that they normally wouldn't, making it harder to predict what they'll do. Often they'll just slow the entire flow of traffic down which comes from a place of concern, but I don't want to be the cause of a ripple in the web of movement. I like the idea of highly skilled rider moving faster than anything else in a city while also causing the absolute minimum interference to others movement. This aproach only makes sense if you have thousands and thousands of hours of experience in traffic. When even the most senseless actions no longer surprise you. I've been riding full time for 20 years, most of those as a messenger.
There's so much to take in and process when riding on the streets. At these speeds you can't be thinking about what to do, it just needs to happen. The people, the animals, the road conditions, weather conditions, the cars, trucks and buses, the sounds, a plastic bag blowing across the road... If a loud bang or a horn goes off next to your head while riding between two cars and you flinch that might be the last thing you do. None of this comes naturally, all of this is trained. The only training I know of is years on the road as a messenger. That industry is dwindling and the volume of runs has seen a sharp decline almost everywhere since the early 2000's which means the volume and quality of training available has seen a sharp decline. That's not necessarily a good or bad thing, but it is a reality. This is a dying art.
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#DescentDisciples​ #PrayForSpeed​ #safa

[@nj2s0N]

Safa, please be safe. wanna see lot of videos of you 2024 and ahead. dont take unnecessary risks

[@roadcyclist1]

Are you his mother?

[@frazebean5117]

​@@roadcyclist1are you his girlfriend? Why are you dickriding him in the comments section? Keep coping as much as you want but the reality is if Safa keeps doing crazy things like this he will be killed one day.

[@briandarnell1809]

@@roadcyclist1 or maybe he had friends with mad skillz who are no longer with us and knows how quickly sh*t happens no matter your reaction speed.

[@ofpreybird]

@nj2s0N agree with you. I love that speed, but the risks that he took are unnecessary

[@jinathosain9751]

​@@briandarnell1809 yeah bro you're completely right 👍🏻❤

[@AzeemLive]

my heart rate is higher than Safa's HR while watching all the close calls😅 what a ride (y)

[@arthurd6495]

🤣🤣

[@ajthmmht]

U should see terry b safa brian fixed gear...

[@aighimself]

Am just shouting here lol

[@ballgame3273]

The bad boy of cycling 😂

[@tdgdbs1]

You won't live long riding like this; I've been riding for 40 years and had quite a few crashes, but none I can blame anyone but my stupidity!

[@AlaaElBatran2]

yolo

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

18:50 🤣🤣 best part!

[@mosharafshahid1640]

Yup I noticed too

[@imjonathan6745]

its a trap!

[@nachointhecloud]

😂

[@Tanner_o]

Safa: Oh 😮

[@DonaldKim33]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@ernestopreciado4895]

You made in 20 minutes what an average daily commuter in that location does in 1 to 3 hours. But at the cost of quite a serious gamble 💀

[@dannyphantom121]

40minutes* the start of the vid was cut, full vid on Patreon.

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

My heart rate was jumping between 120 and 170 watching this. You should start putting "viewer discretion is advised" on your videos 😂

[@dejanajs]

also "dont try this at home"

[@filda2005]

@@dejanajsmeant, don't try this outside ;)

[@CharlesM236]

​@@filda2005can I do indoors awesome 🤔🧩☠️💯🤬

[@andrewcalladine2507]

Normally a fan of your videos, but not in this case. The problem I see with this, is that there is no margin for error from either yourself or the other road users. Filtering at this speed is pure lunancy.

[@iamnicoalfonso]

#NoMistakes

[@appetit2619]

hell yeah

[@roadcyclist1]

Then stop watching. Cya!

[@Apodexis]

​@@roadcyclist1 He's right though

[@BananaChipzzz]

Amen. Safa is a moron who when (not if) he becomes roadkill everyone will go “hmm, that makes sense”.

[@claudeschweizer3932]

yesss some mexico again, nothing beats this kind of traffic. Stressy, but yet thats what's the most fun to cycle, next to decents :P

[@Nikica358]

Damn, this guy reads roads and drivers like a book, hats off Brian.

[@timtaylor9590]

dont be surprised if one day, its written in a language he doesnt know.

[@rafamenjau9739]

i didn´t had to start watching the video before hitting the like button, every Mexico City video is always epic. You really inspire so much people, hope to keep watching amazing videos. Greeting man.

[@largadeugnt]

You guys are nuts. Going through all that heavy traffic swaying and tight passing makes me truly apprehensive and nervous. What a cycling day you got there!

[@Forgot10]

I once did intervals on a road I didn't know. On the last interval I was doing 40+ km/h between two rows of cars standing at a red light. It went well, but I decided that I'm not doing that ever again. Here you just casually cruise between even more lanes of packed traffic at similar and even greater speeds. This is truly terrifying.

[@jharricam]

I love your videos Brian, they contributed to getting me into cycling. You are a beast but please stay safe! Very little margin for error in this video. 4:50 brown pants time!

[@thetechfromheaven]

I work doing app delivery and get this feeling every day slicing through the traffic in the bike doing 40+kmh. You should come to Nogales Sonora Brian we have some amazing tracks and some annoying traffic to slice thru despite being a small town 😂

[@Ezekiel_Burton]

Haha same here in England, weaving thru traffic becomes second nature when you do food delivery. You learn driver habits and get great reaction times 👍👍

[@skankhuntfortytwo9152]

damn bro you are crazy! i wouldnt even fathom myself riding like that, too dangerous, a lot of drivers, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians tend to be so unpredictable and behave in erratic manners, people here usually do not obey traffic laws and riding sometimes its very risky, yet you have the courage and the skills and maybe a spark of luck, because for real you never know whats gonna happen next or whats around a blind spot. amazing what you do, i was watching this amused and tense because Mexico City is a very hectic, unpredictable and chaotic enviroment. i wish you all the best, i wish that you are always safe in your trips, you had some really close calls. you are crazy dude, amazing!

[@kendo4242]

I think it's so cool that you have included mobile auto quarter panel inspection to your business model. Smart!

[@joeemmerling2139]

I loved and hated every second of this. Pure talent, there’s no luck involved. Well done Safa, this is amazing

[@Mr.Falcon541]

There is lots of luck involded. I mean he is very talented but I would never trust that much on other drivers. It only takes one idiot, drunk driver, mistake etc. and it is game over. And you have to be very lucky not to bump one of those one day.

[@ImRetarded.]

Ya bro, riding like a fucking reckless maniac totally involves a lot of talent! One bad swerve from any of those vehicles and he's done, they won't find parts of his body.

[@KASSADlN]

so what would u say about 19:58? U cant control another person, that was the PURE luck

[@madyogi6164]

Brian, love your rides. So cool. Yours and your friend's skills are amazing! Stay safe and don't push it there where you don't have to. ;-) Salute!

[@tommykarate6226]

On fire Safa , best I've seen since you did that track bike in Mexico with Terry B , that was intense brother still my fave 🔥🔥👍👍

[@randomwildlife206]

I am blown away. That was one of the best, if not the best cycling videos I have ever watched. The way it was filmed, the numbers running on the left, the commentary and, obviously, the ride itself. It was incredible. Just try and stay safe. That's some speed right there!

[@OM-sb2bd]

The fact that Brian is still here doing this after all these years … is gonzo!!! You either trust your tires or you don’t! 😂🔥🤘🏻⭐️🚴🏻‍♂️☮️ And how about the motorcycle tracker!! BALLS OF STEAL

[@anony-ic3pz]

Dang...when going between the cars my biggest fear is someone popping a door to chuck some trash or a loogie...stay safe, Brian

[@thetechfromheaven]

I always death grip going thru cars, it's literal playing roulette with doors on a daily basis 💀

[@DavidMichaelChen]

Great Scott, speechless. Hope you get 5M views for this! 100% commitment no hesitation. Ride safe.

[@Fadelabdalkhalik]

Hi Safa ,Thanks for the great videos . is it still summer in Mexico ?

[@liquidSpin]

My eyes were GLUED watching this one. INTENSE AF!! GO SAFA!!

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Happy New Year and wishing you all the safety in your new Videos to come.💯👌🏻💪🏻🚴‍♀️

[@teddyours3365]

Hi Safa, idk if you are reading this but i just wanted you to know that i've come to cycling like 4 years ago and really started watching your videos 2 years ago and they all are awesome and really helped me get more confident through traffic and in descents but this one is by far the most impressive and the footage is awesome, i could nearly feel it... thanks for all the skills your videos taught me anyways §

[@ProfeTa6]

5 years since the time of Hotline - Safa by Terry Barentsen... If you think Safa in this video is wild/crazy then well, you have no idea.

[@gangstreG123]

When I think of "breakneck speed", I imagine Safa's riding like this.

[@benitojuarez9475]

💫Wow Safa, I really like watching your videos, you are the king of the roads 👍🏻💯

[@JM-sn2xl]

I'm blessed to be born in the country of México, it has some of the best roads to ride and the cars don't mind most of the time. You can train in the city, not necessarily have to go out to the highway to put on the miles. Also the hills are plenty.

[@EDDGC]

Do you think cars do not mind? We hate irresponsible cyclists.

[@hyperviper0126]

@@EDDGC 'we hate cyclist yada yada yada' 'yes, irresponsible drivers are less worse than cyclist because they dont have any signal light' like come fucking on pretty much most of you drivers turn into corners unexpectedly most of the time when I'd already build up my speed.

[@hcadena3874]

Are you kidding?? Only on Sundays! ...when the city closes streets for cyclists to ride them. Otherwise, Mx City is one of the most dangerous cities to ride a cycle. Drivers in Cd de Mx are insane, they don't respect other drivers, much less cyclists. This guy is playing with fire and no doubt will discover his reckless riding will have consequences.

[@xaviermoise7187]

​@@EDDGCCars are irresponsible and apprehensive of cyclists no matter what. That's why this is actually a good way to get 'respect' from other automobiles as a cyclist. Disrespect them and suddenly no one's treating you like a dog scurrying across the road.

[@appetit2619]

Love the commentary. I've always love street riding so being able to get some insights and tips from your riding is so helpful. Sending love from Thailand. 🤟🔥

[@VagabondCycling]

Hell yeah Safa, love to see you back to your roots, big ups OG!

[@acalabash]

You really should not be doing this. It's not a case of you just risking your own life, you put drivers at risk of making dangerous split second decisions by riding this way. Also, if you get killed in an accident caused by this recklessness, some other person will have to live with having killed someone. This is downright immoral, and strictly speaking probably illegal as well

[@lucianam.angelesgonzalez8408]

I'm a cyclist like the majority of this channel's viewers, but I'll never ride routes or highways (except only 4 cars uses it for hour).. that's CAR territory.. if it has a bike line then ride on the bike line, roads, but highway? Nope. You put people and yourself in danger. More if you crash with a motorcycle at 100km/h (not even a car), guess who'll be dead -_-

[@andymcinroy]

This was fun to watch while on the turbo. My cadence and heart rate were quickening with the peril. Stay safe.

[@mctrials23]

Yeah, never try and do a Z2 workout while watching SAFA. Far too exciting!

[@nancyhoward781]

That was super dangerous and stupid to take chances with your life like that. Not too mention the guy filming you, he's nuts too. I don't care how good you are, that was beyond crazy and a good way to end up roadkill.

[@xaviermoise7187]

"good way to end up roadkill" That's the line of the guy that gets sued handsomely for tapping the bicycle

[@silviugheorghe7118]

Very cool video. Can I ask what camera setup did you use to have those data on the video? Thank you

[@markdavison8602]

That's so much fun. He has a vision like a super-hero. That's his talent. You've got this life a human at the top of the foodchain. Use this life to the best of your ability. And Safa is doing it. He knows what he's doing. He rides that road so many times. This is his talent. Well done.

[@gearoiddom]

A worm once told me that there isn’t a ‘top’. It’s a circle with no end or beginning. 😂

[@BartAndrzejewski]

19:59 was close call AF.

[@ernestopreciado4895]

1 or 2 seconds made all the difference 💀

[@martinhudobivnik5895]

He sees over cars, POV is lower. Doesn't make it any less sketchy though, that's for sure 😂

[@ttj619]

Fantastic I've just watch the whole of that while stuck at home after catching covid , but when I get better I plan on getting back on my bike that I've not been on since October 2022 after being hit by a van!

[@SimonGoesSideways]

Amazing I was glued to the screen the whole time

[@bobowsinski1704]

Way too lucky. You’re endangering yourself and all others on the road.

[@SSLCLIPS-TV]

is this a game?

[@Mathieu_CHRC]

Gorgeous and frightening at the same time. I like that.

[@luismiguelc.l.5021]

Nice skills Safa. In Bogotá Colombia we have a heavy traffic but there are a lot of motorcycles so is harder to move freely between lanes.

[@jEsperesence]

I want to ride like Brian! Minus the sketchy-scary riding in the city with high traffic and potholed roads !😅

[@thetechfromheaven]

Pretty much no way to skip the sketchy-scary part. I work doing bike app delivery in México and it's something you have to deal with on a daily basis, Just perks of living in the 3rd World I guess 😂

[@Gabriel-vt2jy]

i feel u haha. Andar en bici en el tercer mundo es duro, sobre todo cuando realmente te queres mover del punto A al B de la manera mas rápida. Saludos desde Nic @@thetechfromheaven

[@CarsGarage]

Awesome vid 12:50, 14:17 🤣 , 18:45 never mind🤣

[@djinthemixxX]

I shit my pants at 12:50

[@kapilchhabria1727]

12:50 shat my pants, 14:17 laid a brick.

[@santiagodsl]

19:59 the dude walking could have been a problem !

[@juampi46]

I have watched 3 videos of this channel and WOW. People is amazing!

[@mikenations3636]

One of best yet safa, love it. 19:55 pedestrian guy probably freaked me out the most.

[@straubinio_styo7768]

Absolutely nuts

[@MatveyAndreyev]

Oh yes, more Safa vs. CDMX hotliney stuff. These are my favorite cycling vids on the internet.

[@M1gas]

amazing footage. one of my favorite videos from you! thank you for sharing Cheers!

[@FSP24]

Hey man, great videos. I love your work. How do you put telemetry in your videos?

[@rizkynoer9459]

Can you install a camera on your sprocket for every road and gravel cycling activity?

[@justintonel1920]

Vlogs are amazing dude. keep it up!

[@Tanner_o]

Como ciclista chilango puedo afirmar que no he visto a nadie ni de cerca rodar como Safa. Si logras destreza al ratonear con el tráfico pero lo que él hace está en otro nivel.

[@cesarbarajas2252]

How reckless it was to practice cycling in that way among traffic and even more so among cargo trucks without any warning lights and passing on the left on a curve in the opposite lane, you were very lucky. I usually ride my bike on the road, nothing like that.

[@Jimmyfpv_]

Not only are your skills next-level sharp, but also your conditioning to be able to maintain that power and doing bursts all over the ride. I have ridden a motorcycle in those streets and I wouldn’t attempt what you did lol

[@paulchiu32]

100% extreme concentration from start to finish, 100% understanding of your own physical strength, bike control skills and bike acceleration, deceleration and braking performance, 100% familiarity with road conditions and extremely fast reaction time. Driving through heavy traffic at high speeds is similar to meditating, becoming one with the environment and not thinking about anything.

[@frazebean5117]

I love your videos Safa but this one is crazy. Too dangerous.

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

Mexico City is Awesome and this footage is Awesome too! Now i know why i get so pumped watching Brian, its because not only are you the Goat at this stuff i understand why you want to relive your days as a courier! I applaud your Skill!🙏

[@997carreradriver]

After watching this video I now understand why Safa is unfazed when I see him on Sunset blvd. during the 5pm commuting hour.

[@rodolfobaliga7577]

Man! im your avid fan coz im a biker too from Philippines, i watched some of your videos really awesome, But this one is really one of the most dangerous video of yours. Im praying for your safety bro.

[@Chin3s3]

Yoo what places you get to?

[@channelfps]

Insano, ele é dos meus, a sensação de ultrapassar os carros é maravilhosa

[@shengchenfan]

WOW DUDE!!! I was cringing on my seat, a lot of those were pretty tight!! You GOOD!!!

[@jsmagana8775]

We need a collab with @lucasbrunelle, @TerryB, Tony and you riding in Mexico City

[@DuiMendezVillegas]

wow!!! eres un absoluto crack SAFA!! realmente un idolo, tu contenido es increible

[@Ikarus31]

Road bikes are 8 times faster than mountain bikes

[@dre2times]

Love this. Wish i was there! Thanks for living my dream.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-lp5iw]

México gracias por venir y montar esas curvas me sorprende lo liso que está está carretera 🛣️😤😤😤💚💚

[@lwinmoeaung6855]

Can I ask one question ?? What difference Grave Road and Road bike why they're are same build ??? 😊😊

[@willpeakes6000]

Bro, you're giving me a heart attack! I see Azeem, below, had the same thought. You've got nerves of steel my friend!

[@user-ee2tl2qr9x]

1:45 :o Yeah you're correct, I did freak out watching that squeeze between car and truck on a 60kmh corner

[@prokanka]

My bike is aluminum, I can barely see 25kmh, it's an entry level bike. You are going at 70 km per hour, which is very good.

[@Southbaychief]

Good Ride 👏 your cadence is awesome 👌 great video brother 🤙

[@Ndin-ip4su]

I am a fan of your videos and hope to see you ride for a long time! But what you are doing in this video is simply mad. Please refrain from doing this type of ride and stay safe!

[@meritlonar9012]

Me sorprende la velocidad qué alcanzas que bicicleta y componentes tienes?

[@gordonrose6151]

This is pure vibing .. surfing those streets SAFA 👌😎🚴‍♂️

[@brettkeeler8822]

Holy crap! How do you stay aero with cajones that big??

[@nikkofied]

what a pure skill in that 20 secs since 19:50. Especially to the guy who's crossing the road 19:59 - must be shocked that he almost died

[@Justin_Bikes]

15:03 absolute madman, I thought that Honda Odyssey was going to hit him for sure ... amazing video

[@beyuwallace]

Brian it’s like this in Medellin Colombia. Good descents and lots of traffic to go around or in between

[@SAFABrian]

High in my list of places to ride

[@JohnBoy1sland3r]

Hey Safa Brian! What type of bike case you use to travel with for your bike?

[@florianvanbondoc3539]

Alot of fearfull people here. I just see alot of experience. This guy has definetly done this for awhile. I like that you are aknowledging fhe risk, and taking calculated risk. Stay safe. Love your vidoes. ❤

[@YeahRightWm3]

4:54...heart was like...dropping out of chest

[@claudeschweizer3932]

what also should be mentioned: if ure able to ride on a highskill level, speed can be an advantage :) a taxi turning and u just quickly pass it by, so theres no time for it to actually hit you. You just gotta be aware x10 and THINK AHEAD. But that needs skill, training and focus. :) that's why it's so shocking to the outside, and im sure still scary to safa, but it's a comletely different thing than for an average rider. No need to be too scared ^^ But still, always wiishing safa all the best from the bottom of my heart. Yet rather be confident with him, instead of being frightened :)

[@Nuth34d]

To all the people saying that what he's doing is risky and instigating towards risky cycling. This is a person who's spent over two decades cycling non stop. He's master of his craft.

[@ingnir]

this was more intense than I expected. Do you work in that shop by the plaza?

[@piccadillypie]

So fun! Thanks for the video!

[@TheStrongweak]

That looked great fun. Love that type of riding

[@gabospin9475]

Aparezco en tu vídeo, voy atrás del tráiler amarillo cerca del zapote.

[@nikofeuerwehr]

This video is the most adrenaline I have ever seen on your channel, reminds me of the terry hotline.

[@Crustenscharbap]

The funniest thing is the motorcycle wants to film this. This went well for 50 meters. The traffic. Its beautiful!

[@nicoleilechie3789]

riding in the end between the cars was crazyyyy, wow!

[@KeanuSwayze]

Despite all of the predicted carnage, the only carnage is this comment section. Keep riding the way you love to ride, Brian!

[@MrHumeka]

Wow, amazing, no one rides like you do! Even Terry B would be in trouble trying to follow you ;-)

[@Johnwang1191]

How is that bike so fast? Is it electric?

[@chafiksalhi8635]

Es una bici de carreras sin electrica le esta dando con su fuerza

[@itchyrichy]

How does this guy go so fast with the weight of his massive balls

[@bagusla_alhamdulillah]

My ball drop watching this . Respect ✊

[@roytripp]

jajaja no ma, hasta le safaste la defensa al coche blanco, de ahi el "safa" :D. Este ha sido el video que mas me ha hecho sudar las manos. Verga!!!