One of the most criticized aspects of fixed gear riding is that it is a major road hazard and danger for other bikers, cars and pedestrians…this is mostly due to the fact that many riders choose to ride without formal bicycle hand brakes or coaster brakes. This is also one of the biggest misconceptions about the style of riding. Many people tend to assume that because there are no official brakes on the bike, that it is automatically less controlled and a road hazard to the rider and other people on the road…this could not be farther from the truth.
There are certain areas of the country where fixed gear riders are targeted, ticketed and sometimes arrested for riding without a braking mechanism. What many don’t realize is that skid stopping on a fixed gear bike is just as efficient, if not more, as stopping with standard hand brakes…it has been tested. People who choose to ride a brakeless bike are also usually more experienced than the average cyclist. It is very hypocritical because there are tons of people who drive recklessely in cars all the time and should not be on the road…but they are, and there is not much anyone can do about that. So people need to stop pointing out the hazards of fixed gear bikes when there are so many more dangerous aspects on the road.
Most likely, if a person is riding a fixed gear bike on the road with all the elements, they probably have it under control and can perform a stop if needed. Many cyclists even argue that the fixed gear style allows more control over the bike altogether…especiallly in inclimate weather due to the traction you gain by completely stopping the back wheel altogether. Check out this video below which documents the effectiveness of stopping on a fixed gear bicycle compared to a normal coaster brake bicycle. Still interested? Check out some other reasons why you should start riding a fixie.
One of the most criticized aspects of fixed gear riding is that it is a major road hazard and danger for other bikers, cars and pedestrians…this is mostly due to the fact that many riders choose to ride without formal bicycle hand brakes or coaster brakes. This is also one of the biggest misconceptions about the style of riding. Many people tend to assume that because there are no official brakes on the bike, that it is automatically less controlled and a road hazard to the rider and other people on the road…this could not be farther from the truth.
