How do you handle a rear-wheel skid?

How do you handle a rear-wheel skid?

• A. Maintain rear brake pressure until the bike stops.
• B. Release the rear brake immediately and reapply pressure.
• C. Apply the front brake to counter the skid.
• D. Jump off the bike to regain balance.

Answer: (B)

When the rear wheel starts to skid, the wheel is sliding and you lose traction, so continuing to press the rear brake will just lock it and push you off balance. Releasing the rear brake lets the tire regain grip with the road. Once traction returns, reapply the brake smoothly and progressively to slow down, staying alert to steer where you want to go. The emphasis is on getting off the slide first, then braking with controlled inputs rather than fighting the skid with constant rear-brake pressure.

When the rear wheel starts to skid, the wheel is sliding and you lose traction, so continuing to press the rear brake will just lock it and push you off balance. Releasing the rear brake lets the tire regain grip with the road. Once traction returns, reapply the brake smoothly and progressively to slow down, staying alert to steer where you want to go. The emphasis is on getting off the slide first, then braking with controlled inputs rather than fighting the skid with constant rear-brake pressure.