Tips For Taking the On Bike Riding Test

[alanmcorcoran]

...for the CA tests we were allowed to remain in first gear for "the box", but the quick stop and swerve, we had to get into second. For the quick stop it was points off if you weren't in second when you started the stop and also if you weren't back in first when you finished.

IMO the swerve and the quick stop ARE very easy. The only element of the test that presented any difficulty was "the box."

Try this for making the "quick stop" practice less boring:

Set up the two cones as descibed. From the point of the cones use chalk to mark off feet on a line leading away. If you have two colors, mark every five feet with a different color. Discpline your self to not touch the brakes until the front wheel hits the cones. Consistently hit 15 or 17 miles and hour on the approach (again, check your rules.)

Then see how short you can make the stop. Always use both brakes. Make sure the bike is in a straight line. After some practice, you should be able to do a controlled skid (I was able to lay rubber on nearly all of my stops.) Being able to do this as second nature, without thinking, may save your ass someday. It's worth the practice.