A recent video of a woman riding through the busy streets of Cairo on the back of a motorcycle—with her baby on her lap and a water bottle in hand—has gone viral, prompting a wave of debate online.

The short clip shows the mother seated behind the motorcycle driver, cradling her infant with one arm while casually sipping water in the Cairo heat. While the moment may seem calm on the surface, the reactions it has stirred are anything but.

“This is too dangerous!” cried many viewers, who voiced concern over the safety of both the child and the mother. Without helmets, seat belts, or any sort of protection, riding a motorbike in Cairo’s chaotic traffic is already risky enough—but adding an infant into the equation has left many feeling uneasy.

Others, however, offered a different perspective. Many Egyptians were quick to point out that this is the reality for countless families who can’t afford cars or private transportation. “This is not a choice—it’s survival,” one comment read. “You see this every day in working-class neighborhoods.”

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In Egypt, motorcycles are often the most affordable way to get around, especially for families with limited income. While the image might seem shocking or unsafe to some, it’s a window into how different people navigate daily life under tough circumstances.

The clip has reignited discussions around road safety, affordable transportation, and access to basic protections—especially for vulnerable communities. Some are calling for better infrastructure and support, while others urge greater awareness of the risks.

At the end of the day, the video serves as a stark reminder: in a city as big and diverse as Cairo, scenes that may look unusual or alarming to some are part of everyday reality for others.

Would this image be acceptable elsewhere? Maybe not. But in Cairo, it’s complicated.