In the course of providing instructions to applying proper braking techniques, it’s amazing to note that many cyclists do not know that there are other braking techniques that they can use at their disposal. As a USA Cycling Coach, there are specific braking skills that come directly from the current USA Cycling Coaching Manual which are considered basic cycling proficiency tasks:
- Understands the effects of using the front or rear brakes (or both)
- Demonstrates ability to use front and rear brakes properly
- Demonstrates emergency braking method
Many accidents can be avoided by simply knowing how and when to use your brakes correctly. But first, we need to understand what is braking? Websters definition of braking in physics is: braking refers to the process of slowing down or stopping the motion of a rotating or moving object — most often a vehicle, machine, or mechanical system — by applying a restraining force or mechanism.
Now that we have this basic understanding of braking in physics, we can now apply other principles which can slow down or stop the motion of a rotating or moving object. There are additional factors in physics that also affect your ability to slow down such as gravitational force, rolling resistance, and aerodynamic drag to name a few.
So, tying both the actual physics of braking combined with these additional factors, one can see that there are other methods of braking outside of even touching your brake levers. I will describe the five different methods of braking in the following descriptions:
The first method is “Coasting”. You are essentially allowing gravity, rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag slow you down without touching your brake levers.
The second method of braking is called “Air Peddling or Soft Pedaling” where you are not providing torque to your drivetrain but simply allowing your legs to spin freely.
The third method is called “Brake Feathering” where you are lightly tapping your brake levers in either singly front/rear or both – light touch.
The fourth method is the “Hard Brake” where you are intentionally attempting to stop using both brakes simultaneously in an emergency situation.
The fifth method is called “Air Braking” where you are using your upper body as a drag chute to slow you down by simply raising your upper body profile in an upright position. Used mostly on descending terrain.
It’s important to note that the front brake is the most powerful of the two which carries the strongest stopping power. Obviously, you can use any one of the above-mentioned techniques singly or in combination of. Mastery of these braking techniques is critical to cycling especially if you are riding in a group. I’ve seen too many accidents occur by cyclist improperly applying brakes and causing accidents because of not having basic proficiency. Practice makes perfect as they say so please spend some time using these techniques to expand your braking skills.
v/r
Elmer Feick
USA Cycling Coach
EF Cycles
El Paso Bicycle Club 