|
|
Safety: Cycling skillsThere are two basic skills that should be mastered before riding in traffic: 1. Making a safe turnMost crashes occur at intersections or driveways, as this is where there is the greatest potential for conflict. To navigate intersections and make your own turns safely, follow these guidelines:
Visit the safe turning page for details on how to maintain a straight line while looking back, how to shift lanes safely, and more. 2. Controlled braking under varied conditionsYou might think that there's no technique to braking—just squeeze the brake levers and stop. In fact, your front and rear brakes behave quite differently and skilled cyclists use them differently depending on circumstances and conditions. And just as important as good braking technique is knowing your stopping distance and riding within it. Ride at a speed that is safe for conditions and your skill level. The gist of good braking technique is that under good conditions (dry, smooth pavement), your front brake can stop you significantly faster than your rear brake. Under such conditions, it should be used as your primary brake. In case of a panic stop, you should know how to safely use the front brake to stop as fast as possible without going over your handlebars. Under conditions where the roadway is slippery (pavement that is wet, sandy, etc.), however, the front brake can cause your front wheel to skid dangerously. Under such conditions, you should brake lightly, using the rear brake as your primary brake. Once again, always know your stopping distance, as it will increase when relying on the rear brake. Practice braking in a safe place before going out into traffic. See our braking page for more information and suggestions about practice. In addition, here are some more advanced skills you can practice to make your ride even safer. (More info on these to come!)
|
|
