On the road
As cycling continues to develop, more and more enthusiasts are joining the sport. However, as an outdoor activity that involves a certain speed, cycling inherently has some dangers. During a ride, cyclists often face unpredictable situations such as bad roads or sudden pedestrian appearances. Due to differences in individual riding experience, these factors represent potential hazards of cycling. To ensure safety, when faced with unexpected situations, we must establish the right mindset: should we brake with the front or the rear brake first?
Because sports bikes are designed quite differently from regular commuter bikes, applying too much braking force can easily cause the wheels to lock up.
Some sports bike manufacturers place warning labels on new bicycles that say: “Caution: use the rear brake first, then the front brake.” While this warning is not incorrect, it should not be regarded as an absolute rule. This label is mainly aimed at novice riders who are new to cycling, to prevent them from overusing the front brake in emergencies, which could lead to the front wheel locking up and causing a dangerous forward somersault.
The braking method of using the rear brake first, then the front brake, generally does not pose too much danger on straight, flat roads or uphill sections. However, if you enter forest trails or go mountain biking, continuing to use this braking method may lead to danger.
Generally speaking: “When cycling, the front brake is the most effective for stopping, while the rear brake is used to assist in controlling speed.”
Many experienced cyclists and experts remind amateur riders who enjoy leisure cycling: when heading to mountain roads or unfamiliar routes, besides being adaptable, you also need the correct braking knowledge to minimize injury. Many amateur cycling groups or beginners who have not received proper professional guidance or sufficient training often rely purely on courage to ride on mountain or forest roads. Insufficient or even incorrect safety awareness is essentially putting your life at risk.
Experts point out that many people know that when traveling over 10 km/h, using only the rear brake—even on a straight path—can cause the bike to skid. Skidding is even worse when turning and can lead to falls. However, using the front brake does not cause skidding; even if you can't stop completely, you'll continue in a straight line. Therefore, it's suggested that leisure cyclists consider training themselves to use 70% front brake and 30% rear brake during normal rides—more simply put, “the rear brake is just for assistance, helping to slow down.”
Also, besides paying attention to braking, when cycling you should make good use of convex mirrors on curves to check for oncoming traffic; additionally, wearing a helmet and gloves are essential safety measures.
Moreover, when falling off your bike, it’s best to fall with the bike—that’s because the wheels act like airbags, often hitting obstacles first. The handlebars can protect your shoulders, and the pedals can shield your thighs, significantly reducing the chance of fractures, usually resulting only in minor scrapes or bruises.