On slippery surfaces, which statement about safe braking is true?

On slippery surfaces, which statement about safe braking is true?

• A. On slippery surfaces, the front brake remains effective and should be applied gradually to avoid wheel lock, with gentle rear brake support.
• B. The front brake should be held hard.
• C. Brakes should not be used at all.
• D. Only the rear brake should be used with full force.

Answer: (A)

On slippery surfaces, you want to brake in a way that keeps traction and steering control. The front brake delivers most of the stopping power, but on slick pavement grabbing it hard can cause the front wheel to lose traction and skid. Apply the front brake smoothly and progressively so you don’t shock the tire, and use the rear brake lightly to help stabilize the bike. This combination gives you effective stopping while maintaining control. Using the front brake hard all at once risks a wheel lock and a loss of steering. Not braking at all removes all control, which is dangerous. Relying only on the rear brake with full force isn’t enough on slippery surfaces because you still need the front brake’s greater stopping power, and it can also lead to a skid if the rear end suddenly locks.

On slippery surfaces, you want to brake in a way that keeps traction and steering control. The front brake delivers most of the stopping power, but on slick pavement grabbing it hard can cause the front wheel to lose traction and skid. Apply the front brake smoothly and progressively so you don’t shock the tire, and use the rear brake lightly to help stabilize the bike. This combination gives you effective stopping while maintaining control.

Using the front brake hard all at once risks a wheel lock and a loss of steering. Not braking at all removes all control, which is dangerous. Relying only on the rear brake with full force isn’t enough on slippery surfaces because you still need the front brake’s greater stopping power, and it can also lead to a skid if the rear end suddenly locks.