If you need to stop while leaned over in a curve, what can you do?

If you need to stop while leaned over in a curve, what can you do?

• A. Stand up completely before braking
• B. Release brakes and coast
• C. Use only the front brake
• D. Apply smooth, gradual pressure to both brakes as you start to reduce your lean angle

Answer: (D)

In a curve, stopping safely means decelerating in a controlled way while staying balanced and keeping traction on the tires. The best approach is to apply smooth, gradual pressure to both brakes as you begin to reduce your lean angle. This lets you slow without locking a wheel or upsetting the bike’s grip, and it lets you progressively straighten the bike as you come to a stop or prepare to exit the curve. Using only the front brake can upset stability if you brake too hard, and using only the rear brake may not slow you enough. Standing up before braking shifts your weight and can throw off your balance in a turn, and just releasing brakes or coasting can leave you entering the exit faster than your line allows. The key is coordinated braking that reduces lean smoothly while you decrease speed.

In a curve, stopping safely means decelerating in a controlled way while staying balanced and keeping traction on the tires. The best approach is to apply smooth, gradual pressure to both brakes as you begin to reduce your lean angle. This lets you slow without locking a wheel or upsetting the bike’s grip, and it lets you progressively straighten the bike as you come to a stop or prepare to exit the curve. Using only the front brake can upset stability if you brake too hard, and using only the rear brake may not slow you enough. Standing up before braking shifts your weight and can throw off your balance in a turn, and just releasing brakes or coasting can leave you entering the exit faster than your line allows. The key is coordinated braking that reduces lean smoothly while you decrease speed.