How to Stop a Bike Going Down Hill in the Rain

No matter where you like to ride your bike, you've probably been caught in the rain at least once. Aside from the general inconvenience of getting wet, riding in the rain poses a number of safety hazards. One of these problems is stopping your bike. Since the rain water makes your wheel rims slick, your brakes have a hard time getting enough grip to stop. Here's how you can counteract this and control your speed safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Squeeze your brakes lightly before you actually need to stop. This cleans the water off your rims and makes it easier for your brakes to grip them fully.
2. Shift your weight backwards when you apply the brakes to stop. Especially on a hill, your body will move forward as the bike slows down. Balancing this out helps distribute the stop's force throughout your bike.
3. Give yourself more room to stop. As long as something isn't in your way, take as much time as you need to come to a controlled and gradual stop.
4. Consider riding in a switchback pattern down the hill before braking. This is hazardous if you're going fast, but it works well for moderate to slow speeds.
5. Apply pressure to the pedals with your feet as the bike comes to a stop. This helps you balance and also keeps you from accidentally pedaling forward.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a helmet when riding your bike, especially in the rain.
• Look for soft areas of grass or mulch alongside the hill. You can use these as a cushion if you need to bail out of the descent.