Tips to Follow while Riding a Bike on a Slippery Road

Posted on: Apr 11, 2022 | | Written by:

Tips to Follow while Riding a Bike on a Slippery Road

Tips to Ride Bike Safely on Slippery Roads

Riding a bike in the rainy season when roads are slippery or on sloppy roads is the most challenging situation for a rider. It is risky and has higher chances of accidents. But somehow such situation cannot be avoided and every rider faces this at some point. However, with a few riding tips and practice you can learn how to control your bike on slippery roads or slopes. So whether you are planning a bike trip to the mountains or the rainy season is about to start, first upgrade your bike insurance with add-ons for comprehensive coverage, to protect you against any mishap.

A rider needs good practice to be able to control his bike in all kinds of terrains and circumstances on road. It is also important to understand the mechanics and working of your bike to control it well.

Let us see the important factors that play a role in maintaining balance and applying brakes without skidding, on a slippery road or a slope.

1. Tyre Pressure and Tyre Grip:

Make it a habit to check the condition of your bike tyres before you start your trip whether on a slippery road or slopes. Check the tyre pressure, also check for any puncture before you start. Another important thing to check is the grip of the tyre, it should have enough treads to give you better control on slippery roads. A smooth tyre will increase the chances of slipping.

2. Braking:

Learn and practice all the braking techniques before you start your trip. However, with ABS now made compulsory for all bikes, you might not need to learn braking techniques, your bike’s ABS will keep you safe. Also, check the effectiveness of breaks on wet roads. Check the condition of your brakes, brake pads, etc. While riding on a slippery road it is recommended to use both front and rear breaks simultaneously. The idea is to equally distribute the braking force on both ends.

3. Speed Limit:

No matter how thrilling it is to ride at high speeds, it is not a good idea while riding on a slippery road or a slope. It can prove to be dangerous. Riding within speed limits gives you better control over your bike in difficult situations. Always remember that when you want to slow down never do it instantly. First, leave the throttle then apply brakes afterwards.

4. Chain:

The chain of the bike also needs proper care. During the rainy season, chain life is reduced. Without lubrication, it becomes loose and keeps coming off the socket. Hence, oil the chain regularly and keep it clean for long life.

5. Avoid Rainbow Patches and Shiny Surfaces on Road:

While riding on a rainy day, keep your eyes on the road, ride slowly and observe other vehicles passing by. If you notice shiny surfaces, avoid them as they may be slippery. Also, avoid any rainbow patches as there may be oil floating on water which can be very slippery and dangerous.

6. Don’t Ride Immediately after the Rain:

Roads are full of dirt, oil, and fluids when dry. After the first rain, all this dirt and oil come to the surface and float on water, making the road very slippery. Always wait for the rain to wash out this dirt. In case you cannot avoid riding in the rain, ride slowly and maintain distance from the vehicle going in front of you.

In addition to learning, how to control a bike on slippery roads, it is also important to understand why bike skids or what are the main reasons that can cause a bike to skid. So, instead of dealing with a skid, we can prevent a skid if we understand the reasons behind skidding.

● The bike tyre loses traction on road thus causing the bike to skid.

● Excessive braking may lock one or both wheels leading to a skid.

● Excessive Leaning while cornering causes tyres to lose traction.

● High acceleration can cause the rear wheel to spin

● Changing direction suddenly.

With all these tips and causes, you can now start your bike trip. To make it enjoyable and safe, get bike insurance for your bike that provides comprehensive coverage to protect against any mishap.

Conclusion

Riding in difficult situations on road not only requires practice and experience but also a calm mind with a focus on road. It will help you in anticipating a danger better and allow you to take measures to prevent skidding. Learn from common mistakes riders make and avoid them. Always wear your safety gear to keep you safe from injuries. Skidding can be dangerous and to ensure safety insure your bike. A comprehensive comprehensive bike insurance policy helps in covering any damage caused to the bike and bike owner. It offers roadside assistance, cashless repairs along with financial assistance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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