Mountain biking is generally safe. But—like any form of outdoor cycling—it does present some risks. Research suggests that the overall injury rate for mountain biking is about 16.8 injuries per 1,000 hours of riding. And other research has highlighted that most mountain biking injuries are the result of faulty jump attempts, bike tricks, and falls on uneven terrain. When mountain biking, you’ll want to be sure to wear a proper helmet, as this can help you cut down on your risk of serious injury. You’ll also want to use a bike that you feel confident and comfortable riding, as this can put you in greater control of your rides.