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World’s Most Dangerous Roads | Best Of - Burundi, Mali, Bolivia & Canada | Free Documentary

Free Documentary・84 minutes read

Burundi's cycling industry plays a vital role in transporting goods short distances, especially bananas, with banana beer brewing being a significant part of the economy. Despite facing challenges like dangerous cycling practices, road safety regulations are being enforced by the government to ensure safe transport and livelihoods for individuals like Eric and others in the community.

Insights

Burundi's cycling culture plays a vital role in transporting goods, especially bananas, due to the short distances within the country, with cyclists facing dangerous practices like holding onto trucks for transport.
The banana beer brewing industry in Burundi is significant, with specific types of bananas used for flavor, showcasing the intricate process of ripening, fermenting, and adding hay for taste, providing livelihoods for many like Pamphile.
The road conditions in various regions, like Bolivia's "Road of Death" and Manitoba's ice roads, pose significant risks for drivers and passengers, necessitating precautions, spiritual protection, and a delicate balance between speed and caution to ensure safe transport and livelihoods.

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Recent questions

What is the staple food in Burundi?
Bananas are the staple food in Burundi, with different types grown and sold in the region.
What are the risks faced by cyclists in Burundi?
The dangerous practice of cyclists holding onto trucks poses risks for both cyclists and truck drivers.
What is the significance of banana beer brewing in Burundi?
Banana beer brewing is a significant industry in Burundi, with specific types of bananas used for flavor.
What challenges do cyclists face in transporting goods in Burundi?
The journey of a cyclist like Eric, transporting heavy loads of bananas to the capital, showcases the challenges and risks faced daily.
What are the road conditions like in Burundi?
Bad roads lead to great hardships for foreign people and traders.

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Summary

00:00

Burundi's Cyclists: Transporting Goods, Facing Risks

Burundi's racing cyclists are crucial for transporting goods due to the short distances in the country.
The main traffic route in Burundi runs from the Rwandan border to Tanzania, passing through various regions.
Bananas are the staple food in Burundi, with different types grown and sold in the region.
Farmers sell bananas to middlemen, who are often professional banana beer brewers responsible for transport.
Banana beer brewing is a significant industry in Burundi, with specific types of bananas used for flavor.
The brewing process involves ripening bananas, fermenting the liquid, and adding hay for flavor.
Despite the challenging work, banana beer brewers like Pamphile find satisfaction in their craft and livelihood.
The dangerous practice of cyclists holding onto trucks for transport poses risks for both cyclists and truck drivers.
The Burundi government aims to increase road safety by enforcing regulations against risky cycling practices.
The journey of a cyclist like Eric, transporting heavy loads of bananas to the capital, showcases the challenges and risks faced daily.

29:49

Market Life in Burundi: Challenges and Resilience

Eric delivers two banana clusters five times a week to a shop, earning 12,000 Burundian francs for each cluster, totaling six euros.
Eric faces challenges in city traffic, focusing on balance and avoiding collisions, unlike his cross-country cycling experiences.
The Cioni market in the northwest of the capital sees increased activity due to the government banning street trade after the main market burnt down in 2013.
Alice, a market woman, lost everything in the market fire, including her husband who abandoned her, leading her to take out a credit loan to rebuild.
Eric delivers bananas to Alice, earning five euros per cluster, with today's payment reduced to ten thousand francs due to rain.
Bicycle repair shops are common near markets in Burundi, with Alexandra's shop reinforcing bikes with iron bars and emphasizing the importance of good tires.
Faustin and his son Patrick run a palm oil factory, with Patrick preferring climbing trees for fruit harvesting over carrying heavy loads on his bike.
Lake Tanganyika shapes southern Burundi's landscape, with neon gabo's fishing village coming to life at 6 am after a night of fishing.
Abdullah drives a minibus in West Africa, navigating dusty dirt tracks and ensuring safe transport for traders and merchants between markets.
Siku and Dai load lorries with goods in the Savannah, securing heavy items at the bottom to prevent tipping, emphasizing the importance of correct loading for safe transport.

55:37

Challenging roads hinder transportation in Marley.

The difficult road can only be driven one way in a day due to its challenging nature.
Dust permeates everything, including passengers, in the minibus due to the road conditions.
The temperature rises to nearly 60 degrees, causing extreme discomfort.
Bad roads lead to great hardships for foreign people and traders.
Slippery roads cause mishaps due to lack of upgrades.
Horse and donkey carts are preferred over cars due to safety concerns.
Market days on Marley's dirt tracks are bustling with activity.
The slow pace of horse and cart transportation contrasts with the city's faster rhythm.
Lorries are crucial for transporting goods to remote villages.
Lorries often require maintenance and repairs due to the challenging road conditions.

01:22:01

Perils and Perseverance on Bolivian Roads

Traveling in a community is beneficial, especially during the rainy season when cars can get stuck, allowing for mutual assistance.
Abdullah faces issues with his minibus radiator leaking on the way back from Janae, but a mechanic temporarily fixes it for him to reach a meeting point with Dr. Jay on time.
Dr. Jay is running late and can't fit a ball bearing, hoping the prop shaft lasts until the next stop, emphasizing the importance of passengers taking their places and the engine running smoothly.
The dangerous road, La Carretera de la Muerte in Bolivia, poses risks for drivers and passengers, with spiritual healers offering protection and blessings for safe travels.
Truck driver Omar Paria navigates challenging terrains, facing obstacles like muddy roads and river crossings, highlighting the dangers and precautions necessary for safe travel.
The road to La Paz is treacherous, with deep valleys and canyons, requiring utmost concentration to avoid accidents and ensure safe passage.
Roadworks aim to improve infrastructure in Bolivia, but delays lead to dangerous driving conditions and accidents, especially for bus passengers.
Fishermen along the Rio Beanie face challenges due to low water levels, affecting their catch, showcasing the impact of environmental conditions on livelihoods.
Coca farmers like Albertina and Valerio benefit economically from growing coca leaves, highlighting the cultural significance and economic value of the plant.
Explorers like Fernando and Mauricio navigate ancient Inca paths on motocross bikes, showcasing a blend of adventure, culture, and nature appreciation in Bolivia.

01:49:21

Treacherous Roads: Bikers, Truckers, and Dangers

Heavy rainfall prompts a search for an alternate route due to dangerous roads and lack of help in sight.
Motorcycle safety emphasized with the necessity of a helmet, protective clothing, and a well-maintained bike.
Bikers ascend to over 5000 meters, facing icy winds and wild llamas as obstacles.
Encounter with sacks and bags at the roadside leads to a tragic accident caused by a driver's mistake.
Omar, a trucker, finds solace in short breaks to refresh and wash thoroughly in mountain water.
Omar's life as a trucker involves meeting new people, including two wives, leading to jealousy and complex relationships.
All Hallows commemorated at a cemetery with offerings and prayers for the deceased, a jolly celebration in Bolivia.
Omar prays for strangers at gravesides, continuing the celebration until nightfall before facing the dangerous "Road of Death."
The "Road of Death" in Bolivia, a treacherous route with a bypass but still chosen for its efficiency despite risks.
Ice Road season in Manitoba, Canada, a perilous period for truckers like Scott Campbell, spiritually preparing for the journey.

02:17:03

Ice Road Trucking in Northern Manitoba

Jim Niedemeyer, a farmer and artist in Northern Canada, sees wood as more than just building material, aiming to bring spirit to his carvings.
Niedemeyer's sculptures are cherished by truckers as symbols of Manitoba, reflecting the creatures of the forest.
The ice roads in Northern Manitoba are crucial for transportation, especially for First Nation communities, dependent on state aid and goods delivery.
Lee Cod, a Pine Creek Indian, advocates for the remembrance of past injustices and revitalizing traditional ways of life.
Ice fishing, once a self-sufficient activity, is now more of a pastime for First Nation members, many facing drug and alcohol issues.
Scott and Vlad navigate the ice roads carefully, facing challenges like whiteouts, snowstorms, and getting stuck in the snow.
The ice roads are built in winter, with crews flooding the ice to ensure a safe thickness of at least 1.2 meters for trucks to cross.
Safety is paramount on the ice roads, with truckers wary of accidents like jackknifing, which can lead to significant damages.
Vlad and you, experienced truckers, must balance speed and caution to avoid accidents and ensure safe delivery of goods.
The dangerous job of ice road trucking is essential for the livelihoods of many in Manitoba, with risks like isolation and accidents ever-present.

02:41:48

"Trucks brave ice roads to God's Lake"

Trucks need snow chains for the last part of the trip to God's Lake; Scott and his light pickup truck are almost there.
God's Lake, with 2000 inhabitants, is a prime fishing spot in Canada; Healy's Lodge offers comfort and legendary breakfast, managed by owner Goldie Healy.
Locals rely on ice roads for basic supplies, but hunting and fishing provide a diverse diet; Brian fishes for his needs and sells surplus fish in the village.
Vlad and you, after a two-day drive, approach God's Lake cautiously due to the ice's unpredictability; unloading 40 tons of load is manual labor, crucial to complete before the ice melts.

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