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

When a motorcycle starts to skid, the most effective response is to relax and steer in the direction you want to go. This approach allows the rider to regain control over the motorcycle. When a skid occurs, the tires lose traction, and the rider's instinct may be to panic or react abruptly, which can worsen the situation. By keeping a calm demeanor and steering smoothly, the rider helps the motorcycle regain the necessary traction to stabilize.

In a skid, sharp movements—such as turning the handlebars abruptly—can lead to a loss of control. Applying both brakes at once could result in a further loss of traction, especially if the rear wheel locks up, making it difficult to steer. Additionally, accelerating during a skid can worsen traction issues rather than improve them. Thus, relaxing and steering in the desired direction is the most beneficial action a rider can take in such circumstances.