Autumn days are crisp, skies are clear, and for many of us, it's the perfect season to hop on our motorcycles and head for the hills. But before we hit those winding roads, let's pause for a second.

Recently, mountain roads in Beijing suburbs like Huairou, Mentougou, and Changping have seen a spike in motorcycle accidents. As fun as riding is, safety always comes first—and we all need that reminder sometimes.

Why accidents happen more in the mountains

Riding on mountain roads isn't the same as riding in the city. The roads twist and turn, visibility is lower, and speed can easily get out of control. When we combine that with overconfidence, poor riding habits, or simply not knowing the terrain, we're asking for trouble. That's why we put together these five essential tips—so we can all enjoy the ride and get home safely.

Tip 1: Keep your speed in check

We get it—speed feels exciting. But the faster we go, the harder it is to react in time. One small mistake at high speed can lead to serious consequences. On mountain roads, it's crucial to respect the speed limit and adjust our pace to match road conditions. Going slower gives us more time to make decisions, especially on sharp turns or sudden downhill stretches. Riding smart is always cooler than racing.

Tip 2: Don't ignore safety habits

Some riders love the thrill of leaning hard into corners (we've all seen those videos), but aggressive cornering—especially while speeding—can be really risky. Mountain roads are full of blind spots, uneven surfaces, and narrow lanes. One wrong move, and we could end up sliding across the road or worse. Riding safely means understanding our limits and not showing off, especially when it puts lives at risk.

Tip 3: Build real riding skills first

Let's be honest—some of us are still new to riding. And that's totally fine. But we need to understand that mountain roads are not the best place to “learn as we go.” Good riding skills don't come just from being brave; they come from training, experience, and muscle memory. If we're still figuring things out, it's smarter to stick to flatter, more predictable roads until we're ready for more complex terrain.

Tip 4: Ride with the right mindset

It's easy to get carried away by adrenaline, but we have to remember: mountain roads aren't racetracks. Every corner could hide an oncoming car, loose gravel, or even a wild animal. So instead of pushing our limits, let's focus on staying calm, staying alert, and riding within our abilities. The goal is to enjoy the journey—not to prove anything to anyone.

Tip 5: Pay attention to your surroundings

Mountain roads are beautiful, but they can also be deceptive. Sharp curves, steep slopes, and blind corners are everywhere. That's why we need to look ahead, slow down before curves, and always enter bends carefully. A great technique is to stay wide at the start of a turn so we can see more of what's coming up. Once we have a clear view, we can smoothly accelerate through the exit. It's all about riding smart, not fast.

Let's all ride safe and ride smart

Riding in the mountains should be peaceful and refreshing, not dangerous. There's no room for carelessness when one mistake can change everything. So Lykkers, whether we're experienced or just starting out, let's all take safety seriously. Follow the rules, respect the road, and look out for one another. Together, we can make our rides more enjoyable—and a whole lot safer.

Have you ever had a close call on a mountain road? Or maybe a safety tip of your own to share? Drop it in the comments—we're all ears!