Wet roads can prove pretty treacherous at times, but it is important that you know how to navigate safely when the weather turns wet. Painted lines and manhole covers are added obstacles to watch out for. They are very very slick, and it is unadvisable to ride over them, or at least to be very careful and maintain a forward direction (don’t corner) when riding over them. If you absolutely have to corner and cross a manhole cover, leaves or a painted line, be sure to keep the bike more upright than you would in drier conditions. This will help avoid having the tires slip out from underneath you. Keep in mind that these obstacles can be more slippery than even ice. Wet leaves are also incredibly slick. It is important to train in the rain to get used to the different co-efficient of friction between the tires and road. Be mindful and cautious of riding through puddles, as it is difficult to tell how deep the standing water is, and if there is a pothole at the bottom of the puddle. Finally be careful when braking. The coefficient of friction is less both between your tires and the road, and between your brake pads and your tires. What this means is that your brakes will not work as well as they do when it is not raining. It takes longer to brake in wet conditions, so do not slam on your brakes and expect to stop. Give yourself plenty of time to slow, and pump the brakes to optimize their efficacy.
Wet roads can prove pretty treacherous at times, but it is
important that you know how to navigate safely when the weather
turns wet. Painted lines and manhole covers are added obstacles to
watch out for. They are very very slick, and it is...
More
National Academy of Sports Medicine answered:Wet roads can prove pretty treacherous at times, but it is important that you know how to navigate safely when the weather turns wet. Painted lines and manhole covers are added obstacles to watch out for. They are very very slick, and it is unadvisable to ride over them, or at least to be very careful and maintain a forward direction (don’t corner) when riding over them. If you absolutely have to corner and cross a manhole cover, leaves or a painted line, be sure to keep the bike more upright than you would in drier conditions. This will help avoid having the tires slip out from underneath you. Keep in mind that these obstacles can be more slippery than even ice. Wet leaves are also incredibly slick. It is important to train in the rain to get used to the different co-efficient of friction between the tires and road. Be mindful and cautious of riding through puddles, as it is difficult to tell how deep the standing water is, and if there is a pothole at the bottom of the puddle. Finally be careful when braking. The coefficient of friction is less both between your tires and the road, and between your brake pads and your tires. What this means is that your brakes will not work as well as they do when it is not raining. It takes longer to brake in wet conditions, so do not slam on your brakes and expect to stop. Give yourself plenty of time to slow, and pump the brakes to optimize their efficacy.
