Recently, a night cycling event from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, initiated by university students, has gone viral online, drawing widespread attention.

This night cycling trend began in June 2024 when four female students from Zhengzhou decided to cycle over 50 kilometres to Kaifeng just to try the city's famous soup dumplings. Their journey went viral on social media, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and imitation among students. By November 2024, the event had gained significant momentum, with thousands of students joining the nightly ride along the Zhengkai Avenue, cycling over 50 kilometres eastward to reach Kaifeng.

To capitalise on the trend, several Kaifeng tourist attractions introduced special offers for students. Popular spots like Qingming Riverside Park, Iron Pagoda Scenic Area, and Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City opened their doors for free, providing not only scenic and cultural experiences but also exclusive surprises and perks for the student visitors.

However, as the night cycling activity gained popularity, several issues emerged. The influx of shared bikes piling up in Kaifeng created challenges for city management; traffic congestion on some roads disrupted normal commuting; and concerns about the safety of night cycling were raised by netizens.

In response to these problems, on November 9, 2024, the Traffic Police Department of Zhengzhou and relevant authorities in Kaifeng issued traffic control notices. They decided to restrict non-motorised vehicles on certain sections of Zhengkai Avenue from 4 PM to noon the following day. Additionally, bike-sharing platforms Meituan, HelloBike, and Qingju jointly released a notice outlining new regulations, including designated usage zones and mandatory locking for rides beyond permitted areas, aiming to curb the expansion of the night cycling trend from its source.

Opinions about the crackdown on the night rides have been divided. On one side, many students expressed disappointment and confusion, feeling that their rights were being infringed upon and their freedom curtailed. On the other side, many supported the authorities’ actions, believing it to be necessary for protecting public interest and preventing greater disruptions. Some experts have offered constructive suggestions, such as creating dedicated cycling lanes, to accommodate young people's recreational needs while alleviating traffic pressure.