What technique can help a rider maintain a high pedal cadence?

Maintaining a high pedal cadence is critical for efficiency and speed while cycling, especially in a public safety context where response times can be crucial. Using low pedal pressure is an effective technique for achieving this. When a cyclist applies minimal force on the pedals, it allows for smoother and quicker revolutions. This technique enables the rider to spin their legs faster, enhancing cadence without exhausting muscle strength.

In contrast, increasing gear size would require more strength and effort, which can reduce the cadence as the rider struggles to maintain speed. Decreasing leg strength would directly impact a cyclist's ability to generate power, making it harder to sustain any cadence, let alone a high one. Riding downhill may lead to a naturally high cadence due to gravity, but it is not a technique that can be consistently controlled or relied upon during regular cycling situations. Therefore, using low pedal pressure stands out as the most effective method among the options for maintaining a high pedal cadence.