Why should you slow down when cornering on crowned roads?

Why should you slow down when cornering on crowned roads?

• A. Ground clearance is reduced and the lean angle is less than on a flat road.
• B. The crown improves traction when cornering.
• C. Crowned roads require no speed adjustment.
• D. You should accelerate to compensate for the reduced clearance.

Answer: (A)

Crowned roads tilt the pavement so the center is higher and the edges are lower. That tilt changes how your bike sits and how the tires grip when you enter a turn. Because of the slope, ground clearance can be reduced—parts of the bike are closer to the road sooner as you lean—and you don’t need to lean as much as you would on a flat road. With less lean and a shifted contact patch, traction can feel different and the bike is more prone to instability if you carry too much speed. Slowing down gives you more control and helps prevent scraping or losing traction as you negotiate the corner. Crowned roads don’t improve traction, and accelerating would raise the risk rather than improve safety.

Crowned roads tilt the pavement so the center is higher and the edges are lower. That tilt changes how your bike sits and how the tires grip when you enter a turn. Because of the slope, ground clearance can be reduced—parts of the bike are closer to the road sooner as you lean—and you don’t need to lean as much as you would on a flat road. With less lean and a shifted contact patch, traction can feel different and the bike is more prone to instability if you carry too much speed. Slowing down gives you more control and helps prevent scraping or losing traction as you negotiate the corner. Crowned roads don’t improve traction, and accelerating would raise the risk rather than improve safety.