The best time for you to use your brakes is
- when riding in a straight line. ✓
- when you are changing lanes.
- when you are in the middle of a curve.
- None of the above
Answer: A. when riding in a straight line.
The best time to use your brakes is when riding in a straight line.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says the front brake supplies most of your stopping power and that you should apply the brakes smoothly, increasing pressure gradually. It specifically advises braking when the motorcycle is upright and moving straight, while you look ahead. It also tells you to plan your braking so you avoid braking in a curve. If you must brake in a curve, the handbook says to do it cautiously and smoothly to avoid losing traction. That makes the straight-line choice the one supported by the text.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. when you are changing lanes. — Braking while changing lanes is not the recommended time; the handbook points to an upright, straight-line position with your eyes ahead.
- C. when you are in the middle of a curve. — The handbook says to plan your braking so you avoid braking in a curve, so the middle of a curve is not the best time.
- D. None of the above — This is wrong because the straight-line choice is directly supported by the handbook.
Remember it
Do your slowing before the bend: upright and straight is when the brakes work best.
Official handbook: ICBC Learn to Ride Smart, Chapter 6: see-think-do – do, p. 77