Stopping Distance: Reaction Plus Braking
Pairs measure how long it takes to stop a bike, separating reaction distance from braking distance. Students work out a safe following distance from their own data.
How to play
- Briefing: stopping distance is how far you travel while reacting plus how far it takes to brake (3 min).
- Braking technique: both brakes together, rear a bit first, hips back on the saddle and firm arms (5 min).
- Three 30 m lanes: brake at a fixed chalk line; your partner measures from the line to the front wheel (6 min).
- Brake on signal: a partner raises a flag at any moment; measure from where the flag went up to where you stop (8 min).
- Repeat at slow and medium speed and record it on the sheet or in a phone spreadsheet (5 min).
- Debrief: how much does distance grow with speed? What gap should you leave behind the rider ahead? (3 min).
Rules
- Top speed is whatever still lets you stop straight without skidding.
- One bike per lane; the next rider goes once the previous one has exited to the side.
- Measurers stay off the lane, never in front of a rider.
- If the back wheel skids, brake more gently next time.
Variations
Easier
Only fixed-line stops at a slow pace.
Standard
Fixed line and surprise signal at two speeds.
Harder
Repeat with one hand busy (holding a light object) or on gravel to compare.
Adaptations
- Students with a visual impairment: the signal is a whistle; they ride a tandem if available or act as timekeeper with voice support.
- Students who don't ride: in charge of the data sheet and the class average.
- Unsure riders: slow pace only and stop at the fixed line.
Learning goals
- Brake effectively and stably with both brakes.
- Tell reaction distance apart from braking distance.
- Work out a realistic safe gap between bikes.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bicycles: 10
- helmets: 30
- cones: 20
- tape measures: 3
- chalk: 4
- flags: 3
Teacher tip
Warn that grabbing only the front brake hard can pitch a rider over the bars. Any colored bandana or T-shirt works as a flag. Students bring bikes with a signed permission slip, or borrow them from the city or local police; if you are short, pairs take turns.
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