A viral Instagram Reel showing women cycling freely at 2 am in Hyderabad has sparked widespread admiration, with viewers from across India expressing surprise and pride at the city’s sense of safety. The video was shared by entrepreneur Kavya Methi Khandelwal, whose late-night ride captured both the quiet charm of the city and the confidence of its women cyclists.
A 2 am ride that surprised India
Khandelwal’s 44-second clip, filmed on a designated cycling track in the city, shows her pedalling under the night lights while other women cycle nearby.
“Hyderabad, I am literally riding a cycle at 2 in the morning. The weather is so good. I don’t know if I’ve experienced this ever in my life,” she says in the video.
She is also seen playfully racing with her sister, who accompanies her on another bicycle.
Visibly delighted, she adds, “This is my track, this is how it looks like… This makes me so happy.”
The Reel has amassed over three million views, nearly 2,000 comments and more than two lakh likes, drawing reactions from viewers nationwide.
Social media celebrates Hyderabad’s safety
Hyderabad residents flooded the comments with pride, saying the video reflects the city’s reputation for safety and its growing cycling culture.
“When someone speaks good about Hyderabad, I personally feel complimented. So thank you,” wrote one user.
“Hyd is the safest city I have ever been to!” commented Shreya Gupta.
Another user added, “Your happiness is reflecting in your voice.”
Several viewers expressed hope that cities across India would one day offer similar levels of safety and inclusivity for women at all hours. “Every Indian city, every street and every road should be like that. We deserve it,” one comment read.
Cycling culture and urban safety in focus
The video has reignited conversations about women’s mobility and night-time safety in urban India. Hyderabad, often recognised for its IT corridors and efficient policing systems, has seen a steady rise in recreational night cycling groups and dedicated tracks in recent years.
Urban planners and civic groups say such spaces encourage healthier lifestyles and strengthen perceptions of safety in public areas, particularly for women.