Motorcyclists Race on Yangmingshan at Night; Police Arrest Organizer Who Called for Event on Instagram

According to reports from Central News Agency, a Lin surnamed man from Taipei is suspected of promoting a car tuning shop owned by a friend in Taoyuan by posting on Instagram to gather fellow riders for a high-speed racing event on Yangmingshan. Around 11:40 PM on May 16, a large group of modified vehicles gathered near the intersection of Xiuzixiang Street and Fulin Road, then collectively sped up the mountain after midnight.

In response to public reports, the Shilin District Police Department of the Taipei City Police Department immediately activated its rapid-response joint defense mechanism. They set up interception points on the downhill route, inspecting 42 vehicles (3 cars and 39 motorcycles) and 52 individuals. On-site violations included 2 cases of unlicensed driving, 1 case of driving beyond license class, 1 case of canceled license plates, and 2 cases of incomplete vehicle equipment, all cited under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act.

Additionally, 2 motorcycles (without license plates or with canceled plates) were seized. Six noisy vehicles were reported to the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau for penalties. Vehicles suspected of illegal modifications were formally referred to the motor vehicle regulatory authority, requiring owners to undergo temporary vehicle inspections.

Following the incident, the special investigation team reviewed surveillance footage and collected evidence, identifying a total of 56 vehicles (1 car and 55 motorcycles) that had gathered at a parking lot at the foot of the mountain before collectively heading up Yangmingshan via Yangde Boulevard. During the ride, several vehicles crossed lane dividers, failed to use headlights properly, exceeded speed limits, and engaged in weaving maneuvers—dangerous driving behaviors that were officially cited.

The team also summoned 27 vehicle owners for questioning. Through digital tracing, they identified the event’s organizer as a 20-year-old man named Lin, who had used Instagram’s Stories feature to publicly announce the time and location of the gathering. After evidence collection, a warrant was issued by the Shilin District Prosecutors Office, and Lin was arrested in Xinyi District on June 10. He admitted that he organized the event to promote a friend’s car modification business in Taoyuan. The case has been referred for prosecution on charges of endangering public safety.

The Shilin Police Department emphasized that Yangmingshan’s winding roads and poor nighttime visibility make high-speed group riding, weaving, and noise pollution not only disruptive to residents but also a serious threat to road safety. The department will continue to strengthen patrols on Yangmingshan, Yangde Boulevard, and surrounding areas prone to gatherings, especially during Friday and Saturday nights through early morning hours, implementing special anti-speeding roadblocks.

Enhanced prevention measures will also be deployed at key access points such as Baileng Bridge, the Shishang section of Chengde Road, around Taipei Municipal Taibei High School, and along Yangde Boulevard, aiming to comprehensively suppress illegal street racing activities. (Edited by Li Shu-hua)