China's Youthful Cycling Craze Faces Crackdown Amid Traffic Chaos

A spontaneous night cycling trend among Chinese university students has led to traffic disruptions, prompting government intervention and safety concerns.

The 'Night Riding Army' began in June when students cycled from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for soup dumplings, rapidly gaining popularity on social media.
Tens of thousands of cyclists, mostly university students, participated, causing major traffic jams and safety issues on key roads.
Authorities initially welcomed the trend as a boost to local tourism, but later imposed restrictions due to the overwhelming number of participants.
Bike-sharing companies warned users that their bikes would lock if taken outside designated areas, and some universities restricted students from leaving campus.
The cycling movement reflects a desire for escapism among youth facing economic challenges, though it has sparked debate about public resource use and safety.