Club member Gao Zuguang, 69, said, "The fact that blame is being leveled is one of the reasons we are taking part in the voluntary activities to offer more safety guidance to the public while ensuring that we ourselves only travel at a safe speed."

Gao said riding a motorcycle has made him appreciate people's kindness. "When we travel to other places, we know little about the locals, but the people we meet on the road are always willing to offer a helping hand when needed and also give us an enthusiastic welcome," he said.

"The feeling of happiness and freedom is what I enjoy most during every ride. This is also the reason I have pursued this hobby for more than 30 years."

Riding a motorcycle poses huge safety risks. In 2018, a total of 10,663 people died in motorcycle accidents, and for the past five years there have been about 10,000 such fatalities annually.

Su Lijun, 60, who leads a team of motorcyclists at the club, always reminds riders that if they want to race against others they should do so on a professional track, not on the roads.

"At our club, no matter where we plan to ride during the weekend, obeying the traffic rules is always the first thing we consider," he said.

When new members join the club, Su slows the speed at which his team rides. "The newcomers cannot control their speed and direction on mountainous roads with sharp bends as skillfully as they should, so I set the speed as the lead rider to ensure everyone's safety," he said.

Su has experienced several traffic accidents, including one last year that left him hospitalized for nearly a week.

"It happened on a bend on a mountain road, where I had a hard time controlling my bike," he said.

As a volunteer, he uses his experience to advise other riders. "To reach their destination on time, I see many delivery workers riding at speed, which is very dangerous, although I understand that each order matters a lot to them," he said.

Su said the workers drive fast to support themselves and their families by avoiding a penalty for late deliveries.

"My words of advice usually work and they make a conscious effort to stop at pedestrian crossings," he said.

Public resentment

Members of the club also believe it is essential to offer road safety advice to the younger generation.

"Poor behavior by some young riders has heightened public resentment toward motorcyclists," Hao, the volunteer, said.

She added that she once took part in several outdoor activities organized by young motorcyclists. "They drove really fast on the road and some of them lifted their front wheels as a stunt, making me feel very unsafe," she said.

"Such actions tarnish our reputation as motorcyclists, and we try to avoid them at the club. I enjoy riding my motorcycle and having fun with others, but we never risk our lives. I hope more riders will remember this."