Cycling Skills

Emergency Quick Stop

A quick stop will allow you to safely stop your bike. If you must stop to avoid an obstacle or an emergency situation, you do not want to lose control of your bicycle. 

Brake Application

    Front brakes have the most power but can cause a crash if misused

    Either brake causes weight to shift forward, increasing the power of the front brake

    Brakes need to be adjusted properly for maximum braking control

Weight Transfer

    Shift weight back over the rear wheel by sliding behind the saddle

    Use your arms to push the bike out in front of you

    Keep the handlebars straight; do not try to turn

Front Brake

    Practice using your front brake to avoid going over the bars

    Braking hard with the front brake causes weight to shift forward

    Apply more front brake than rear; release the brake a bit if the rear wheel skids

Rear Brake

    The rear brake has less stopping power than the front brake

    Too little weight on the rear wheel will cause it to skid

    Not enough weight on the rear wheel will cause the rider to go over the bars