Rolling Tigers Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 5
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings, plus a family bike ride or riding practice
Parent Involvement: Adult partners help with checks, safety gear, and riding
Preparation Needed: Gather bike gear, choose a safe riding area, plan simple activities
Activity Level: Low for lessons, moderate to high for riding
Indoor or Outdoor: Both, outdoor space needed for riding
Special Requirements: Tigers may ride a bike or begin learning
Supplies Snapshot: Bikes, helmets, bike pump, tire pressure gauge, optional chalk

The Rolling Tigers Adventure helps Tiger Cub Scouts learn the basics of bicycle care and safe riding. With their den or Tiger adult partner, they check the ABCs of bike gear: air, brakes, and chain. These simple checks help them get their bikes ready for a ride.

Tigers also learn about helmets and other safety gear, review bicycle safety rules, and practice hand signals for turning and stopping. Den leaders can use games and hands-on activities to help Scouts understand and remember these skills.

To complete the adventure, Tigers ride a bike or begin learning with their adult partner or family. Whether they are steady riders or just getting started, they can practice at their own pace and enjoy time outdoors together.

Printable requirements for the Rolling Tigers Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Rolling Tigers Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Tiger Badge (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Safety Gear

With your den or Tiger adult partner, learn about the safety gear you should use while riding a bicycle. 

Have Tigers bring their helmets and help adult partners check the fit and straps. Show any other safety gear you have available, and explain how it helps during a ride.

Easy Option: Hold a helmet fitting check at a den meeting. Let Tigers practice putting on and fastening their helmets with adult help. See Bicycle Helmet Fitting.

More ideas:

• Ask the Pro: A guest speaker who is an expert in cycling demonstrates the ABC’s of bike safety gear.
• Check My Bike Gear: Cub Scouts check their own safety gear. 

Requirement 3: Bicycle Safety Rules

With your den or Tiger adult partner, learn the safety rules to follow when riding a  bicycle.

Focus on habits Tigers can practice right away, such as wearing a helmet, watching where they are going, and stopping before crossing a street. Use familiar situations and ask Scouts what they would do, rather than giving a long talk.

Easy Option: Use sidewalk chalk to draw a pretend street crossing and stop sign. Have Tigers walk through it and practice stopping, looking, and waiting for their adult partner.

More resources:

• Bicycle Safety Crossword Puzzle: A simple printable activity.
• Cycling Road Safety Matching Activity: Match signs and situations with their meanings.
• Chalk It Up Bike Rodeo: Create a bike safety course using chalk patterns on the ground. 
• When to Walk and When to Ride: Review safety rules for bike riding. 

Requirement 4: Hand Signals

With your den or Tiger adult partner, demonstrate proper hand signals.

Demonstrate turning and stopping signals while everyone stands beside their bikes. Practice on foot first so Tigers can focus on the signals without also trying to balance.

Easy Option: Play Simon Says with left turn, right turn, and stopping signals. Give each Tiger a chance to show all three. See Simon Says – Turn Left, Turn Right.

Requirement 5: Ride or Learn to Ride

With your Tiger adult partner or family, ride a bike or begin learning how to ride a bike.

Choose a flat, traffic-free space where Tigers can practice with their adult partners or families. Give beginners time to work on balance, starting, and stopping, while experienced riders take a short ride.

Easy Option: Ask each family to take a short bike ride or spend a few minutes learning to ride in a safe place. Remind them that beginning to learn fulfills this requirement.

More ideas:

• Bicycle Rodeo: Host a fun cycling event for Cub Scouts.
• I Want To Ride My Bicycle! Take a bike ride with your den. 

The Rolling Tigers Adventure is a fun and educational journey into the world of bicycling for Tiger Cub Scouts. This adventure focuses on teaching the young Scouts the essentials of bike maintenance, safety gear, riding rules, and communication through hand signals. Each step is designed to build confidence and safety awareness in young riders.

Tigers start by learning the ABCs of bike gear—Air, Brakes, and Chain—ensuring their bikes are ready for the road. Next, they explore the safety gear necessary for riding, such as helmets and pads, emphasizing the importance of protecting themselves. They also learn the rules of safe biking, which include riding on the right side of the road, following traffic signs, and using hand signals to communicate with others.

Demonstrating hand signals is another key part of the Rolling Tigers adventure, where Tigers learn to signal turns and stops effectively. This not only enhances their safety but also helps them communicate clearly with other road users. Finally, they put all their new skills into practice with a bike ride, which can be an exciting first ride for some or an opportunity to refine skills for others.

The Rolling Tigers adventure is about adopting a healthy, active lifestyle and understanding the responsibilities that come with being on the road.