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"He tried to lay his bike down, which I think they commonly do to stop quickly, and it threw him in front of the train"

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/18466649.html

What a shame.

I've never understood how a bike sliding on pavement (or tracks) would stop you faster than just braking.

I think that was a fast stopping tactic used many years ago when bikes didn't have brakes.

The coefficient of friction for rubber will almost always be greater than the coefficient of friction for chrome! Rubber side up stops better.

Sad story in any case.

I think rear only braking a common Harley braking tactic. Could be he didn't actually "lay the bike down" but rather he applied the rear brake then let go of it when the rear end kicked out and got high sided. In any case it makes me want to practice full on panic braking. I have to seize control of my lecture module whenever some guy talks about "laying it down" as an emergency stoping technique.

Airman, I think you nailed it. Part of the tragedy here is the quote from the police chief, implying that "laying it down" is an acceptable technique. Lately I've heard too many stories of panic braking gone wrong - your plan to practice is a good one, I'm going to do the same.

I believe that 'laying it down' is a euphemism for 'I screwed up but want everyone to think I did it on purpose'

wncbmw wrote:I believe that 'laying it down' is a euphemism for 'I screwed up but want everyone to think I did it on purpose'

I think Mr. Davis agrees...

The Greatest Oxymoron Of All

JC

I always wondered if it was ever a good thing to "lay the bike down" before an eminent crash. I don't intend to find out the hard way! Thanks for the info.