Cycling Safety During Taiwan’s Typhoon and Plum Rain Season: When You Should Not Ride

The dangers brought by Taiwan’s weather systems are not limited to the strong winds and heavy rain on the day a typhoon strikes. The outer rainbands before and after a typhoon, the days of continuous downpour during the plum rain season, and rockfalls and debris flows in the mountains are all safety threats that cyclists need to watch out for closely.

Taiwan’s Dangerous Weather Seasons

The Danger Zone of a Typhoon

Riding Restrictions Under Typhoon Warnings

Special Dangers After a Typhoon

Experienced mountain-road cyclists often say: “The period after a typhoon is more dangerous than the typhoon itself.” The reasons are:

1. Flooded roads: The depth of standing water in low-lying areas is hard to judge, and vehicles may become stuck or submerged
2. Rockfalls and fallen trees: Rockfalls on mountain roads continue to occur for days after a typhoon
3. Road surface scouring: The road surface may be covered by sand and soil, hiding deep potholes
4. Bridge damage: Some bridges suffer foundation damage after strong water flow that is not easily visible to the naked eye
5. Debris flow risk: Saturated mountain slopes can still trigger debris flows 1–2 days after a typhoon

Recommended waiting period: Wait at least 48–72 hours after a typhoon has passed, and only assess whether to go riding after the government has issued road repair notices.

Assessing Rides During the Plum Rain Season

Rain during the plum rain season does not come with a clear warning like a typhoon does, but the risk that accumulates from days of heavy rain should not be underestimated.

Warning Signs on Mountain Roads During the Plum Rain Season

1. Continuous rainfall for more than 48 hours: Soil becomes saturated and slope stability decreases
2. Cumulative rainfall exceeding 100mm in a short time: High risk of debris flows in mountain areas
3. A noticeable rise in stream water levels: There may be sections overtopped by flowing water

Debris Flow Warnings from Taiwan’s Soil and Water Conservation Bureau

Taiwan’s Debris Flow Disaster Prevention Information Network (swcb.gov.tw) and the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau provide real-time debris flow warning information:

• Yellow alert: Debris flows are possible, exercise caution
• Red alert: High risk of debris flows, entry into mountain areas is prohibited

Be sure to check the debris flow warning status along your intended mountain route before riding.

The “Stop, Look, Listen” Framework for Riding Decisions

Before planning any mountain ride, confirm the following in order:

Stop (Stop and check information)

1. Central Weather Administration mountain weather forecast: Rain probability and intensity over the next 24 hours
2. Typhoon path forecast: Whether a typhoon is about to affect Taiwan
3. Debris flow warning status: Check your route on swcb.gov.tw
4. Highway Bureau road condition information: Check for road closures at road.motc.gov.tw

Look (Assess current conditions)

• Actual rainfall amounts from yesterday and today
• The terrain of your riding route and its historical debris flow records
• Cloud development in the sky (rapidly developing cumulus clouds are a precursor to afternoon thunderstorms)

Listen (Listen to local information)

• Call supply stations or police stations along the route before departure to ask about road conditions
• Check cycling community reports from recent riders about the route conditions

Safety Rules for When You Must Go Out

If, after assessment, you still decide to ride before or after severe weather:

1. Tell someone: Give a detailed account of your riding route and expected return time
2. Shorten your route: Choose flat or low-risk routes before and after severe weather
3. Have a backup plan: Confirm in advance locations where you can make an emergency retreat or seek shelter
4. Stay in contact: Carry a fully charged phone and report your location every hour

Remember: Any ride can be done another day, but a life cannot. Taiwan’s mountain roads are beautiful, but in the mountains after severe weather, the price of that beauty can be a life. Be a wise rider who knows when to say, “Today isn’t a good day to ride — let’s come back another time.”

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Rainy Season Riding: A Safety Training Guide for Taiwan’s Plum Rain and Typhoon Seasons
• Rainy Season Training Strategy: Maintaining Training Quality and Safety in Monsoon Conditions
• Trail Running Climate Response: Safety Judgment on Taiwan’s Mountain Trails After Rainy Season Typhoons
• The Complete Guide to Riding in the Rain: Gear, Techniques, and Safety Precautions