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Home » Cycling skills » Bike handling » Shifting gears

Braking

How to brake effectively and safely on a bicycle.

In this complimentary section from our online course ‘Traffic Smarts for Cyclists,’ link opens in new window we discuss proper braking technique.

  • Any bike handling skills that are new to you are best practiced off the road, in a controlled area such as a paved playground or basketball court, or a vacant parking lot.
  • Always stay within your comfort level, and pay close attention to what you are doing.
  • Don’t practice these skills when you are tired or distracted.

Now let’s look at some important braking techniques, including:

  • How many fingers to use on the brake levers.
  • How much front brake to use (and why skilled riders use more front brake than rear).
  • What to do if your rear wheel skids.
  • ‘Covering’ your brake levers to give you a faster response time.
  • Dealing with different road and weather conditions.

Launch Presentation

 


Which hand controls which brake on your bike?

which hand controls which brake on a bicycle

In North America:

The right hand controls the rear brake
• Think "right = rear"
    • with an 'r' in each word.

The left hand controls the front brake.
• Think "left = front"
    • with an 'f' in each word.

 


Other complimentary sections from our online courses. link opens in new window

  • Traffic skills:
    • Changing lanes in traffic
    • How to trigger a traffic light on your bike
    • Navigating traffic circles & roundabouts

  • Bike handling skills
    • Shifting gears

  • Equipment
    • Parts of the bike
    • Choosing & adjusting your bicycle helmet

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The Center for Cycling Education

5 months ago

The Center for Cycling Education
Edward Pullman is a long-time rider and active advocate, and someone who can provide good advice.We can always learn more, and I'll be joining in to do just that. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Center for Cycling Education

6 months ago

The Center for Cycling Education
"Google Maps has announced significant updates to its cycling route information, allowing users to better prepare for a journey on two wheels. Additional details include warnings for heavy traffic and steep hills as well as enabling ‘easier’ comparisons between bike routes."www.cyclingweekly.com/products/google-maps-upgrades-its-cycle-navigation-with-added-detail-includ... ... See MoreSee Less

Google Maps upgrades its cycle navigation with added detail - including warnings of heavy traffic and steep hills

www.cyclingweekly.com

Bike routes will now highlight potential difficulties as well as supplying detailed information about road type and providing comparisons
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The Center for Cycling Education

10 months ago

The Center for Cycling Education
When you ride up to a traffic light and nothing happens, and you wait and wait...It doesn't happen to people driving a car, yet there are ways of getting the light to change. (And if it doesn't, here's what you can do.)thecce.org/cycling-skills/traffic/triggering-a-traffic-light-on-your-bike/ ... See MoreSee Less

Triggering a traffic light on your bike | The Center for Cycling Education

thecce.org

How to get an unresponsive traffic light to detect your bicycle.
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The Center for Cycling Education

11 months ago

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www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/feb/25/brompton-bikes-plans-100m-wetland-factory-on-stilts ... See MoreSee Less

Brompton Bikes plans £100m wetland factory on stilts

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Britain’s biggest cycle maker commissions circular factory over Ashford floodplain with capacity to make 200,000 bikes a year
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The Center for Cycling Education

2 years ago

The Center for Cycling Education
Now available: an extensive update to our Traffic Smarts for Cyclists courses! Separate versions for Canada and the USA.Act now before the upcoming price increase.thecce.org/online-courses/ ... See MoreSee Less

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