can you steer a bobsled

Yes, you absolutely can steer a bobsled—but only the pilot does it, and the way they steer is much subtler than a car or a bike.

Quick Scoop: Can you steer a bobsled?

• A bobsled is steerable , it’s not just a “push and pray” ride.

• The pilot (front athlete) steers; the others mainly push at the start and stabilize.

• Steering is done using two rings/ropes (D-rings) connected to the front runners via a simple pulley system.

• Only tiny, precise movements are used; big turns will usually make the sled skid or crash at high speed.

• The brakeman in the back does not steer , they only pull the brake lever after the finish line.

How steering actually works

Inside the sled, the pilot holds two metal or rope rings (often called D-rings) attached to a steering mechanism.

• Pull left ring → front runners turn slightly left.

• Pull right ring → front runners turn slightly right.

• The system is basically simple pulleys and linkages connected to the front blades.

Because speeds can reach 80 mph (130 km/h) or more, the pilot uses fingertip- level inputs—tiny tugs instead of big yanks—to stay on the fastest racing line.

Too much steering scrubs speed, causes the sled to hit the track walls, or even flip.

Think of it more like gently guiding a very twitchy shopping cart on ice, not cranking a car steering wheel.

Who does what in the sled?

A typical 2-man or 4-man bobsled crew has distinct roles.

• Pilot (front):
  • Steers the sled using the rings.
  • Chooses the racing line through every curve.
  • Reacts to how the sled is sliding and how the ice feels.

• Push athletes / crew (middle):
  • Provide maximum push at the start for acceleration.

* Then sit low, stay still, and help with weight balance.

• Brakeman (back):
  • Pushes at the start.
  • After the finish line, pulls the brake lever to stop the sled.

* Cannot steer while braking; it’s either brake or steer, not both.

So: only the pilot steers, and only after everyone has jumped in and tucked down.

Why steering matters so much

Steering isn’t just about “not crashing”; it’s a huge part of going fast.

Good steering helps the pilot:

• Hold the optimal racing line through each corner, entering and exiting at just the right height on the wall.

• Avoid hitting the protective “lip” at the top of turns, which can bounce the sled and kill speed.

• Minimize skidding and scraping , which slows the sled and can lead to rollovers.

Elite pilots learn each track turn-by-turn and memorize where to steer, where to let the sled run, and where to give small counter-steers if the back end starts to slide out.

Is it like “Cool Runnings”?

That famous idea—“you push it and it just goes”—is only half true.

• Yes, the start push is vital for speed.

• But a competition bobsled must be actively steered all the way down ; you can’t just ride it like a passive sled and expect a decent time.

A pro described steering as being “all in the fingertips,” combining strength with precision to pull “just enough” to keep the sled on line.

Another driver explains using quick little rope pulls to correct when the back end slides, always avoiding over-steer.

Mini FAQ

Can a regular person steer a bobsled on a tourist ride?
On many public/guest runs, a trained pilot usually drives while guests ride as passengers, because proper steering at speed needs experience and quick reflexes.

Can you steer a monobob (solo sled)?
Yes. Monobob sleds have the same basic steering system—rings/handles linked to the front runners—just sized for one person.

What happens if you don’t steer at all?
The sled will still go down the track, but it will bang into walls, lose speed, possibly skid or flip, and your time will be terrible.

TL;DR: You can steer a bobsled, but only the pilot does it, using small pulls on steering rings connected to the front runners, and precise steering is what separates a safe, fast run from a chaotic crash-fest.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.