What should a rider do if the motorcycle starts to skid?

When a motorcycle starts to skid, the appropriate response is to release the brakes and steer in the direction of the skid. This action helps to regain control of the motorcycle and allows the rider to correct the trajectory. When a skid occurs, the tires lose grip on the surface, which can be exacerbated by using the brakes. Applying the brakes harder can worsen the skid and lead to loss of control.

By steering into the direction of the skid, the rider helps realign the tires with the trajectory intended, which can bring the motorcycle back to a stable state. This technique is critical in maintaining balance and ensuring that the motorcycle does not fall over.

In contrast, panicking and braking harder can lead to a more severe loss of control, while accelerating generally makes skids worse because it increases the likelihood of losing grip even further. Ignoring the skid is not a viable option, as it can result in an accident or fall if the loss of traction is not addressed proactively. Thus, the most effective method to manage a skid is to calmly release the brakes and steer into it, restoring stability to the motorcycle.