Here's a problem to solve: A bicycle is traveling at 3 meters per second (m/s). The rider applies the brakes and stops the bicycle in 3 seconds. What is the average rate of acceleration of the bicycle during this time?

Among the 4 following options, which is the correct answer?

- A: -1 m/s^2
 
- B: -6 m/s^2
 
- C: 3 m/s^2
 
- D: 9 m/s^2
 