By RK Shih/Staff
TAINAN — A growing number of heavy motorcycle riders are heading to mountain routes in Tainan, with a newly established “motorcycle shrine” in Yujing District (玉井區) emerging as a popular stop, according to local reporting.
The China Times reports the site, introduced by Taiwan-based operator Taiwan Wheel Fun, is modeled on a Japanese concept linked to Shinto practices, which promote the idea that all things, including vehicles, have spiritual significance. The Yujing location is described as the first overseas site, offering riders a place to rest, pray for road safety, and access food and beverage services.
Local businesses along key routes, including Provincial Highway 3 and Provincial Highway 20, have seen increased traffic from motorcycle groups, particularly on weekends. Riders often travel through Yujing, Baihe District (白河區), and Longci District (龍崎區), forming part of a broader riding circuit that extends toward Kaohsiung’s Jiasian area.
Police in the area said motorcycle traffic has increased compared with the same period last year, as mountain roads damaged by earthquakes and typhoons have gradually reopened.
The Yujing Precinct also reported that 10 motorcycles have had licenses suspended in the first three months of this year for exceeding speed limits by more than 40 kilometers per hour.
Authorities urged riders to prioritize safety, noting that speeding remains the most common violation in the area.
