Srinagar, June 8 -- A cyclist glides past the still waters of Dal Lake as the first light touches the mountains.

A few years ago, such a scene would have attracted curious glances. Today, it has become part of a larger story unfolding across Kashmir.

Roads that once saw mostly cars and motorcycles are increasingly welcoming groups of cyclists, runners, and fitness enthusiasts who are changing how the region sees itself and how others see it.

Cycling clubs have multiplied across Kashmir, drawing students, professionals, business owners, and retirees. Early morning rides through Srinagar's Boulevard, countryside roads lined with poplar trees, and mountain routes around Gulmarg and Pahalgam have become common sights.

Social media has amp...