A high-speed cycling stunt turned fatal on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in Bucaramanga, Colombia, when social media influencer Juan Pablo Aguilón Soto, 21, known online as “Soto GV,” and a 13-year-old girl were killed after colliding with a motorcycle and being struck by a truck.
The accident occurred when Aguilón, riding what enthusiasts call a “gravity bike,” attempted to pass a vehicle in the opposing lane. Both Aguilón and his young passenger were thrown from the bike during the collision and subsequently struck by an oncoming truck. The crash happened on a main road frequently used by gravity bike enthusiasts for their descents.
Local emergency services reported responding to the scene within minutes of the crash. Despite their rapid response, both Aguilón and his passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The collision’s impact was severe enough to completely destroy the modified bicycle.
Aguilón had built a significant following on social media platforms by posting videos of his high-speed rides on modified bicycles, often called gravity bikes, which are typically stripped of their brakes to achieve faster speeds. His content regularly featured dangerous maneuvers and high-speed descents that attracted thousands of viewers.
His death left a deep impact on the close-knit biking community. One of his friends expressed on social media that the group dynamic would never be the same, saying that their gatherings would feel different now that he was gone and that they were powerless to change it. Another friend shared that he would miss Aguilón on the hills, adding that he still couldn’t believe the loss and wished Aguilón peace on the highest hill in the sky.
The modified bikes used in this extreme sport are often custom-built for maximum speed, with riders removing standard safety features like brakes to reduce weight and wind resistance. The bikes can reach speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour on steep descents, making them particularly hazardous on public roads.
This accident marks the third gravity bike-related death in Colombia in recent months. Less than two weeks prior, 16-year-old Karla Motato lost her life in a similar accident in Pereira, Colombia. In September, a 15-year-old boy also died in a gravity bike incident, highlighting a growing pattern of accidents involving young riders.
Colombian authorities have expressed increasing concern about the rising popularity of gravity biking among teenagers. The sport has gained significant traction through social media platforms, where riders showcase their high-speed descents and stunts. Young enthusiasts often attempt to replicate the dangerous maneuvers they see online.
Communities in regions like Antioquia and Cauca have reported similar incidents. In some areas, officials have taken steps to ban gravity biking altogether. The town of La Ceja in Eastern Antioquia issued a decree allowing the confiscation of modified bicycles and imposing fines on violators, aiming to reduce accidents and improve public safety.
