static friction > sliding friction means skidding requires more distance to stop than "engine braking" (or "dynamic braking"). i'm sure it's easier for most of us to simply lock our legs and hold a skid than it is to apply just the right amount of backwards force to slow the bike without skidding. but if we could do that, we would require less stopping distance.

of course there are always mailboxes and things like that for stopping against.