In a front-wheel skid, what is the correct sequence to recover control?

• A. Release the front brake immediately to get wheel rolling again. Then reapply the front brake smoothly, with increasing pressure.
• B. Shift to a lower gear and resist braking.
• C. Stand up and shift weight to the rear.
• D. Coast for a moment and then brake.

Answer: (A)

When the front wheel is skidding, the tire isn’t rolling, so it can’t respond to steering and you lose control. The goal is to get that wheel rolling again and then manage braking smoothly.

Release the front brake immediately to let the front tire start rolling again. Once it’s rolling and grip is being regained, reapply the front brake gradually and with smooth, increasing pressure. This prevents the tire from locking again and lets you modulate braking while keeping the bike stable.

Other approaches don’t restore control as effectively: keeping strong front braking or delaying braking keeps the tire locked longer; shifting weight or standing up won’t specifically address restoring front-wheel traction; and waiting or coasting risks losing control longer.