Bengaluru: Crossing a busy road in an Indian city is often described as an art form, and a recent Instagram video by a foreign woman has captured that experience with humour and honesty. A short clip showing two women cautiously attempting to cross a congested street in Bengaluru has gone viral, resonating with thousands of social media users and reopening conversations around pedestrian safety in urban India.
The video was shared on Instagram by Ines Faria, who documented her experience of navigating Bengaluru traffic along with a foreign friend. In the clip, the two can be seen hesitating at the edge of the road, carefully stepping forward as vehicles continue to move around them with little pause. The visual captures a familiar scene for residents of Indian cities, where pedestrians often rely on instinct, eye contact and timing rather than traffic signals or designated crossings.
The overlay text on the video reads, “Trying to cross a road in India be like,” immediately striking a chord with viewers who have faced similar situations daily. The clip, though short, reflects the chaotic yet oddly coordinated flow of traffic that Indian roads are known for.
“Negotiating with destiny”
What added to the video’s appeal was Faria’s witty caption. Describing her experience, she wrote, “In India you don’t cross the road. You negotiate with destiny.” The line quickly became the highlight of the post, with many users praising its humour and accuracy.
Several Indians and foreigners alike commented that the phrase perfectly summed up their own road-crossing experiences, not just in Bengaluru but across major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.
The video does not specify the exact location of the road, but the dense traffic and absence of visible pedestrian crossings led many viewers to assume it was a typical inner-city street in Bengaluru, where vehicular movement often dominates road space.
Social media reactions pour in
The clip has been widely shared across platforms, drawing amused reactions, memes and personal anecdotes. Many users found the situation highly relatable, while others pointed out the underlying infrastructure issues it highlights.
“So much traffic, no walkways,” one user commented, drawing attention to the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in many Indian cities.
Another wrote, “This is so relatable,” echoing the sentiment of countless office-goers and students who face similar challenges every day.
Some users also added that while the video was funny, it underscored a serious issue. A few comments called for better enforcement of pedestrian crossings, footpaths and traffic discipline, noting that road-crossing should not feel like a life-threatening task.
A familiar urban challenge
Bengaluru, like many rapidly growing Indian cities, struggles with balancing pedestrian needs against rising vehicular traffic. While the city has seen expansions in metro connectivity and road networks, footpaths and safe crossings often remain inconsistent or poorly maintained.
Urban planners have long pointed out that pedestrians form the largest group of road users, yet receive the least priority in road design. Videos such as Faria’s, though light-hearted, bring global attention to everyday challenges faced by locals.
Conclusion
While Ines Faria’s video has gone viral for its humour and relatability, it also serves as a subtle reminder of the need for safer pedestrian infrastructure in Indian cities. What many viewers laughed at is a daily reality for millions, who truly do feel they are “negotiating with destiny” each time they cross a busy road. As the clip continues to circulate online, it has succeeded in doing what viral content often does best — entertaining audiences while quietly spotlighting an issue worth addressing.