How should you respond to a strong crosswind from a passing truck?

• A. Tighten your grip, lean into the wind, and brake gently.
• B. Stand up on the pegs to brace for wind.
• C. Relax your grip, keep your elbows close, and adjust speed to maintain control.
• D. Remain perfectly still and reduce speed gradually.

Answer: (C)

When a strong crosswind hits from a passing truck, the bike is pushed sideways and you need a smooth, controlled response. The best approach is to relax your grip, keep your elbows close to your body, and adjust your speed to stay in balance. A relaxed grip reduces the wind’s leverage on the handlebars, making it easier to feel and respond to the gusts without overreacting. Keeping your elbows tucked helps stabilize the upper body and maintain a steady, controllable steering input. Modulating your speed rather than grabbing hard or braking abruptly lets you ride through the gusts with less risk of a sudden shift or wobble, helping you maintain your lane position.

Bracing tightly, standing up on the pegs, or trying to stay perfectly still aren’t practical or safe ways to handle crosswinds: they can worsen the instability and make you less able to adjust to gusts.