Hazard Avoidance, Emergency Maneuvers, and Crash Avoidance
Braking and swerving
Use both brakes; the front brake provides most stopping power. Apply the front progressively rather than grabbing it. If the front wheel locks, release and reapply; if the rear locks, keep it locked until stopped.
Braking and swerving are separate skills. Straighten the bike, then brake; if you must swerve, push the grip on the side you want to go and look through the gap.
Surface hazards
- Sand, gravel, wet leaves, and painted lines reduce traction: slow before them and avoid braking hard on them.
- Cross railroad tracks and metal grates at close to 90 degrees.
- In rain, ride in tire tracks and increase following distance.
Worked example
A dog runs toward the road. The rider stares at the dog and grabs the front brake. Answer: that is target fixation and a likely lockup. Look at the escape path, slow smoothly, and steer around the animal.
Crash avoidance mindset
Scan far ahead, keep an escape route, and cover the brakes near intersections. Ride within your sight distance, especially at night.
Traps that cost marks
Braking and swerving at the same time; grabbing the front brake; staring at the hazard; braking on a painted crosswalk; swerving into oncoming traffic without checking.