Final answer:
Cyclists should maintain a correct foot position with a slight heel drop throughout the ride to maximize power and efficiency, rather than dropping their heels at a specific moment when turning.
Step-by-step explanation:
When cyclists are negotiating a turn, they must lean at the correct angle to maintain balance and ensure that the force exerted by the ground is in line with the center of gravity. Dropping their heels so they are pushing with their whole foot helps in maintaining posture while walking or performing activities like foot-tapping or jumping. This is different than the process of maneuvering a bicycle where the force on the bicycle wheel can be resolved into two perpendicular components - friction parallel to the road that supplies the centripetal force, and the vertical normal force which must equal the system's weight.
For a cyclist, instead of a specific moment to drop their heels, it is critical to maintain a correct form consistently throughout the ride. This involves using the whole foot to push down on the pedals, with the heel slightly lowered, to maximize power and efficiency. Proper foot position on the pedals is constantly maintained rather than altered for specific maneuvers like turning. However, maintaining a lower heel can help in stabilizing the rider's posture just like in walking or running.