Emergency Bike Stopping Techniques: When Your Brakes Fail

Imagine riding your bike at high speed on a highway, only to find that your front brakes have failed. The situation can be terrifying. This is a nightmare scenario many cyclists face. Fortunately, modern bikes usually come with reliable brakes, but accidents can happen, and it's always best to be prepared.

The Author's Personal Experience

Recently, while riding on an interstate, my front brake on my brand new bike gave out. I was doing 150 kmph, weaving between trucks with their day lights failing. It was my last leg of a 13-hour journey, and I was pushing to finish the last 100 kilometers. Pumping the front brake revealed no resistance. Panicking would have been understandable, but my mind didn’t even process the situation. Instead, I immediately shifted down, used the rear brake, and pulled over to the curb.

The front disc had locked, and the front wheel was not moving. There was a significant amount of brake dust or fine metal particles on the front rim. This near miss got me thinking: what if my rear brake had also failed?

Engine Breaking as a Safety Measure

Engine breaking is the most effective method to slow down a bike when the brakes fail. Aggressively downshifting while matching the engine's RPMs can significantly reduce your speed. If your bike has a slipper clutch, it will help prevent gear clashing.

Switch on the hazard lights, if available. In the heat of the moment, this might be challenging, but it can warn other drivers of your situation. As for hitting a wall, it's not recommended due to the risk of severe injury.

Foot Dragging Techniques

One of the safest methods is to remove your feet from the pedals and drag them on the ground. This can help you slow down and eventually stop. However, this technique is more dangerous. The more effective but riskier method is known as a “foot jam.” This involves pushing the toe of your shoe against the fork and jamming your heel into the tire.

If you have a nobby tire, avoid this method, as it can cause your heel to grab on a knob, potentially breaking your foot or causing you to fly over the bars. Practice at low speeds first, then gradually increase the speed.

Rear Mudguard Removal Technique

In a pinch, you can remove the rear mudguard, leaving the wheel naked. Then, stand on one pedal and jam your other foot on top of the rear wheel against the frame. Apply enough pressure to lock the wheel, and you can slide the bike to a stop. This method works well, especially for younger riders, though it should be practiced with caution.

While this technique was popular in the past (as seen in The Flintstones), it's still an effective emergency measure. However, it requires practice and should only be used in emergency situations.

Preparedness and knowledge can make all the difference in emergency situations. Always be aware of your surroundings, and regularly check your bike's brakes to ensure they are in good condition. Stay safe on the road!