I slipped on ice twice on one ride home one late night last winter. I got lucky. I used to teach people how to ride a bike, and I showed them how to fall. I did this to alleviate their fears of falling. From a standing position, I showed them the "stage fall" that actors do: roll on one side onto your ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder. It's basically a rehearsal. Well, that night, as I fell, my practice kicked in, and I rolled onto my side without even thinking about it.

So I suggest that everyone rehearse falling. It pays off!