If you get a flat tire while riding, you should:
Answers
Hold the handle grips firmly and stay off the brakes.
Shift your weight toward the good wheel and brake normally.
Brake on the good wheel while immediately pulling off the road.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is : Hold the handle grips firmly and stay off the brakes.
When you get a flat tire while riding a bike, the immediate concern is maintaining balance and control. A flat tire can cause a loss of traction and stability, so the key is to handle the situation carefully.
Here’s why answer A is correct:
- Holding the handle grips firmly: When you have a flat tire, you may lose control of your bike, especially if the tire is on the front wheel. By holding the handle grips firmly, you maintain better control over the bike. This ensures that even if the tire is flat, you’re in a better position to steer and keep your balance.
- Staying off the brakes: Applying brakes while riding on a flat tire can cause dangerous instability. The flat tire, especially on the front wheel, can make braking less effective and may cause the bike to skid or tip over. In addition, hard braking on a flat tire can cause the wheel to collapse further, worsening the situation.
Additional points to consider:
- Avoid sudden movements: When you get a flat tire, sudden jerks or maneuvers can cause you to lose balance. Try to stay calm and reduce your speed gradually. If you need to stop, aim for a safe spot off the road.
- Shift your weight carefully: Although shifting your weight to the good wheel (as mentioned in other options) might seem logical, it can complicate your balance on a flat tire. Keeping your weight centered and stable is generally safer than making sudden shifts.
- Brake with caution: The act of braking on the good wheel (mentioned in other answers) can be tempting, but in reality, it could lead to a loss of control. Your main goal should be to stabilize the bike before thinking of stopping.
In summary, the best course of action when you get a flat tire while riding is to stay calm, keep a firm grip on the handlebars, and avoid applying the brakes. This helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of further complications.