Experience does make a difference, but I haven't yet seen the risk of an unexpected stop drop to zero. And I think learning to control the bike is still valuable for a beginner, so they can survive to the point of developing their street smarts. A panic stop teaches you how to control the bike.

The recent e-bike boom has been a chance to observe a lot of beginners learning to ride. One habit I've seen on the paths is being "afraid to stop," resulting in minor collisions within groups of cyclists, and cars making panic stops when the bike paths cross roads. These are the people to whom I suggest learning how to use the brakes.

The was an avenue with bike preference in the leftmost lane, but as cars parked anyway it way like a 1/4 lane.

Once I was completely zoomed out and felt something was off. The car at my right just push the break.

I followed along with a t drag and straighten up to get a clearer vision. A truck was turning left from the middle of the avenue, cutting 2 lanes including mine.

These things always happens in downhill. I had not enough space to brake. I turned left almost, not without almost hitting a woman that was waiting to cross the street 2 steps down the curb, and headed full blast too a cobblestone street. I don't know how I manage to do that without falling.

Yes a less experienced me would have not seen the risk early enough nor had the skills to get that turn. But there are shit you cannot predict.