When encountering scored/grooved pavement in a work zone, what is the best approach?

When encountering scored/grooved pavement in a work zone, what is the best approach?

• A. Hold the handlebars tightly and ride as fast as possible.
• B. Ignore the groove and focus on the horizon.
• C. Keep your head and eyes up. Go slow, don't fight the handlebars, and keep a steady throttle.
• D. Brake before the groove and accelerate after.

Answer: (C)

When you encounter scored or grooved pavement, the priority is smooth, controlled riding with your vision up ahead. The grooves can disrupt traction and cause your front wheel to follow the groove or wobble if you make abrupt inputs. By keeping your head and eyes up, you’re scanning for the best line through the patch and any other hazards in the work zone. Going slowly helps you maintain balance, and a steady throttle plus relaxed grip on the handlebars keeps you from overcorrecting or fighting the bike as the surface changes. Avoid braking hard or rapid acceleration in the groove, and don’t focus on the groove itself as a target—you want a calm, continuous input through it. This combination of looking ahead, reducing speed, and staying smooth through the patch is the safest, most stable approach.

When you encounter scored or grooved pavement, the priority is smooth, controlled riding with your vision up ahead. The grooves can disrupt traction and cause your front wheel to follow the groove or wobble if you make abrupt inputs. By keeping your head and eyes up, you’re scanning for the best line through the patch and any other hazards in the work zone. Going slowly helps you maintain balance, and a steady throttle plus relaxed grip on the handlebars keeps you from overcorrecting or fighting the bike as the surface changes. Avoid braking hard or rapid acceleration in the groove, and don’t focus on the groove itself as a target—you want a calm, continuous input through it. This combination of looking ahead, reducing speed, and staying smooth through the patch is the safest, most stable approach.