As a cyclist, you know that being able to stop on a dime is one of the few ways you can protect yourself against other people’s errors. If you can stop quickly, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to avoid hitting a door that was just opened in front of you or a vehicle that pulled out into your path.
Did you know that there are different kinds of bicycle brakes that you can have installed to make your journey a little safer? Most bicycles have rim brakes, which slow the wheels as you stop, but there are other forms that you can try for quicker stops.
What kinds of brakes help bicyclists stop faster?
Some forms of brakes are designed to slow and stop a bicycle from high speeds, while others are designed to slowly bring a bike to a stop. Some forms of brakes that are efficient for adult commuters may include:
- Drum brakes, which are weather-resistant and strong.
- Rod brakes, which are operated with mechanical linkages instead of cables.
- Regenerative brakes, which are common on hybrid and e-bikes and use a motor in reverse to slow the bicycle and charge the battery.
- Coaster brakes, which are operated by backpedaling and that only operate on the rear wheel.
Each of these kinds of brakes works well, but did you know that all bikes should have at least two kinds of brakes? The front wheel and rear wheel should have a brake, not just the rear. So, if you have a coaster bike, having brakes added to the front will help maximize your stopping power.
No matter how good your brakes are, you could still be injured by a driver who is inattentive, intoxicated or distracted. An attorney experienced in bicycle vs. auto accidents can help you learn more about your legal options.