Cycling Merit Badge

The Cycling merit badge is a great way for Scouts to explore the world of biking. It helps you learn important skills that go beyond just riding a bike. You will discover how to take care of your bike, stay safe on the road, and plan rides that challenge and excite you. The Cycling merit badge is a fun way to build confidence while improving your biking abilities.

This merit badge helps Scouts learn about bike safety. You will understand how to stay safe while riding on roads or trails. You’ll also learn how to deal with problems like flat tires and other repairs. These are skills that can help you enjoy biking for years to come.

Scouts who work on the Cycling merit badge build strength and endurance. Riding a bike is great exercise, and it helps you stay healthy. You will challenge yourself by completing long rides. These rides teach you to set goals and push yourself to reach them.

Earning the Cycling merit badge helps you gain independence. It shows you how to plan and prepare for adventures. You will also learn responsibility by keeping your bike in good condition and following safety rules. This badge is a chance to grow as a Scout and as a person.

Either the Cycling merit badge OR the Hiking merit badge OR the Swimming merit badge is required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts who earn more than one of these badges may count the additional badges as electives.

Download the Cycling Merit Badge Requirements

Cycling Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Cycling Merit Badge Check Off Sheet: Road Biking Option

Cycling Merit Badge Check Off Sheet: Mountain Biking Option

Bicycle Riding Log

Bike Inspection Checklist

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Cycling Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Cycling merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Safety and First Aid
• Requirement 2: Laws
• Requirement 3: Helmet and Safety
• Requirement 4: Inspection
• Requirement 5: Handling Skills
• Requirement 6: Road Biking Option
• Requirement 6: Mountain Biking Option

Staying Safe While Cycling

For the Cycling merit badge, it’s important to understand the hazards you might face while biking and how to handle them. Hazards are dangers that could cause an accident or injury.

Common hazards while cycling include traffic, rough or uneven surfaces, bad weather, and obstacles like rocks or potholes. You can stay safer by learning how to avoid these problems and knowing what to do if they happen.

How to Stay Safe:

• Anticipate Hazards: Look ahead while riding to spot problems early, like cars, debris, or sharp turns.
• Prevent Hazards: Wear a helmet and bright clothes to stay visible. Follow the rules of the road, like stopping at stop signs.
• Mitigate Hazards: Slow down if the road is slippery or bumpy. Stay alert for unexpected changes.
• Respond to Hazards: If something goes wrong, like a flat tire, pull over to a safe spot to fix it. In an emergency, call for help or use a first aid kit if needed.

Ride Predictably: This means acting in a way that other riders, pedestrians, and drivers can expect. Use hand signals to show when you’re turning or stopping. Stay in a straight line and avoid sudden moves.

Be Conspicuous: This means making yourself easy to see. Wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear at night. Use lights on your bike when it’s dark or hard to see.

Think Ahead: Always watch for what’s coming up next. Pay attention to traffic, weather, and your surroundings. Plan your route to avoid busy roads when possible.

Ride Ready: Before you go, check your bike. Make sure the tires are full of air, the brakes work, and the chain is in good shape. Bring water, a repair kit, and anything else you might need.

By learning these safety tips, you’ll be prepared to handle hazards and enjoy your rides. These skills will help you succeed in earning the Cycling merit badge and make biking safer and more fun.

First Aid Skills for Cycling Safety

When working on the Cycling merit badge, you’ll need to know how to handle injuries or illnesses that might happen while biking. Being prepared with basic first aid knowledge can help you or someone else if an accident happens. Here’s an overview of common cycling-related issues and how to treat them.

• Cuts and Scratches: Clean the wound with water to remove dirt and prevent infection. Cover it with a clean bandage.
• Blisters: These can form from gripping handlebars for long periods. Cover the blister with a bandage to protect it. If it pops, clean it and apply an antibiotic ointment.
• Sunburn: Use sunscreen before riding and wear protective clothing. If you get sunburned, move to the shade, apply aloe vera or a cool compress, and drink water.
• Dehydration: This happens when your body doesn’t have enough water. Drink small sips of water often. Look for signs like dry mouth, dizziness, or fatigue.
• Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: These happen when your body gets too hot. With heat exhaustion, you might feel weak, sweaty, or nauseous. Move to a cool place and drink water. Heatstroke is more serious and can cause confusion or unconsciousness. Call for medical help immediately.
• Hypothermia and Frostbite: Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold. Cover up with warm clothes and move to shelter. Frostbite affects skin exposed to cold for too long, like fingers or ears. Warm the area gently. Don’t rub it, as this can cause damage.
• Insect Stings and Tick Bites: For stings, remove the stinger and apply ice to reduce swelling. If a tick bites you, use tweezers to pull it out completely. Watch for signs of infection or illness later.
• Snakebite: Stay calm and keep the bite area still. Call for help immediately. Do not try to suck out the venom or cut the wound.

It’s important to identify poisonous plants like poison ivy and animals like venomous snakes in your area. Knowing what they look like helps you avoid them. Poisonous plants can cause skin rashes, and bites from venomous animals can be life-threatening. Staying alert to your surroundings helps keep you safe on the trail.

These first aid skills are an important part of the Cycling merit badge. They will help you handle common problems and stay safe on your rides.

Understanding Bicycle Laws and Safe Riding

For the Cycling merit badge, you need to know about bicycle laws and how they compare to motor vehicle laws. While these laws vary by location, some general rules apply almost everywhere. Bicycles are often considered vehicles, so you must follow traffic laws, just like cars. This includes stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals, and riding on the correct side of the road.

What’s the Same?

• Bicycles must follow traffic rules, such as yielding to pedestrians and using signals.
• Cyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Riders should travel in the same direction as traffic.

What’s Different?

• Bicycles can often use bike lanes where cars can’t go.
• In many places, cyclists are allowed to ride on sidewalks, but this depends on local laws.
• Motor vehicles must maintain a safe distance when passing a bicycle.

Where and How to Ride on Roads

• Lane Position: Ride as far to the right as it is safe, unless you are turning or avoiding hazards like parked cars or debris.
• Changing Lanes: Look over your shoulder to check for traffic, signal your intent with a hand signal, and move only when it’s safe.
• Making Turns:
  • For a right turn, stay near the curb and signal with your right arm.
  • For a left turn, you can either move into the left-turn lane or use a crosswalk by walking your bike. Use your left arm to signal.
• Intersections: Slow down and watch for cars and pedestrians. Make eye contact with drivers when possible to ensure they see you.

These rules help keep you and others safe on the road. Knowing and following local and state bicycle laws is an important part of the Cycling merit badge. It teaches you responsibility and prepares you for safe rides.

Staying Safe with the Right Gear

For the Cycling merit badge, it’s important to understand how wearing a properly fitted helmet and the right clothing keeps you safe and comfortable while biking. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Bike Safety Guidelines also give advice to help you stay safe on every ride.

The Importance of a Helmet

A helmet protects your head if you fall or get in an accident. Head injuries can be very serious, so always wear a helmet when riding. For it to work properly:

• Fit: The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted back or forward.
• Straps: Adjust the straps so they form a “V” under your ears and fit snugly under your chin.
• Sizing: Make sure the helmet isn’t too loose or tight. It should stay in place without wobbling.

Dressing for the Weather

The clothes you wear can help you stay safe and comfortable:

• In hot weather, wear lightweight, breathable clothes. Choose bright colors to make yourself more visible.
• In cold weather, wear layers to stay warm. Gloves and a hat under your helmet can help protect your hands and head.
• In rain, wear waterproof gear to stay dry and avoid slippery shoes.

BSA Bike Safety Guidelines

These guidelines are simple rules to help Scouts stay safe:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Check your bike before riding to make sure it’s in good condition and it fits you.
• Ride in single file and stay to the right on roads.
• See and be seen.
• Watch for road hazards.
• Use hand signals to show turns and stops. Obey traffic laws and stay alert to your surroundings.

Wearing the right gear and following safety guidelines helps you stay safe and enjoy your rides. These lessons are a key part of the Cycling merit badge and will prepare you for biking adventures.

Keeping Your Bike Safe and Ready to Ride

For the Cycling merit badge, you need to know how to clean, adjust, and inspect your bike to make sure it’s safe and ready to ride. Regular maintenance helps your bike last longer and prevents accidents. Here’s what you need to do and know.

Points to Check Regularly
Use the ABC Quick Check before every ride:

• Air: Make sure tires are fully inflated and check for cracks or wear.
• Brakes: Squeeze the brake levers to ensure they stop the bike smoothly. Look for worn brake pads.
• Chain: Check that the chain is clean and properly lubed. Look for rust or damage.
• Quick Releases: If your bike has quick-release levers for the wheels, make sure they’re secure.
• Check the overall bike for loose bolts, cracks, or other damage.

Adjusting the Saddle and Handlebars
A proper fit makes riding more comfortable and safer:

• Saddle (Seat): Adjust the saddle height so your knee is slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point. Use the clamp under the saddle to move it up or down.
• Handlebars: The handlebars should be level with or slightly below the saddle. Adjust them so you can reach comfortably without overextending your arms.

Adjusting Brakes and Gears

• Brakes: Use the barrel adjuster on the brake levers or near the brakes themselves to tighten or loosen the cables. Ensure the brake pads align with the rim and don’t rub the tire.
• Gears (Derailleurs): Adjust the derailleur screws and cables to ensure smooth shifting. If the chain skips gears, it may need fine-tuning.

Lubricating Moving Parts
Lubrication keeps your bike running smoothly and prevents rust:

• Apply chain lubricant to the chain and wipe off excess.
• Lubricate pivot points on the derailleurs and brake levers.
• Avoid getting lubricant on the brake pads or rims.

Fixing a Flat Tire

• Remove the wheel from the bike.
• Use tire levers to take the tire off the rim.
• Take out the inner tube and either patch the hole or replace the tube.
• Check the tire for sharp objects and remount it. Inflate the tire to the correct pressure.

Meeting Local Laws

• Your bike should have reflectors, lights (if riding at night), and a bell or horn, if required.
• Follow local rules about bike lanes and equipment to ensure your bike is legal.

By maintaining your bike and checking it regularly, you’ll ride safely and confidently. These skills are an important part of the Cycling merit badge and teach you responsibility and problem-solving.

Mastering Basic Bicycle Handling Skills

The Cycling merit badge includes learning and demonstrating basic bicycle handling skills. These skills make riding safer and more enjoyable. They also help you stay in control in different situations, including emergencies. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.

Proper Mounting and Starting

• Mounting: Stand over the bike with one foot on the ground and the other on a pedal in the 2 o’clock position (slightly above horizontal). Push off with the foot on the ground while pedaling to get started.
• Starting: Practice smooth starts by balancing your weight evenly and looking ahead, not down at your feet.

Stopping and Emergency Stops

• Stopping: Use both brakes gently to stop. Apply the rear brake slightly before the front to prevent flipping over the handlebars.
• Emergency Stops: In sudden stops, shift your weight back and keep your body low to stay balanced. This helps avoid skidding or losing control.

Riding in a Straight Line
Practice keeping your bike steady by looking ahead at a fixed point. Avoid sudden movements and keep your hands relaxed on the handlebars.

Turning
Slow down before making a turn. Lean slightly into the turn and look in the direction you want to go. Signal your turn to let others know what you’re doing.

Shifting Gears
Shift gears to match the terrain. Use lower gears for climbing hills and higher gears for flat roads or going downhill. Avoid shifting under heavy pressure, like when pedaling uphill, to prevent chain problems.

Scanning and Signaling

• Scanning: This means looking over your shoulder to check for traffic or obstacles without swerving. Practice this until you can keep riding straight while looking back.
• Signaling: Use hand signals to let others know when you’re turning or stopping:
  • Left arm straight out for a left turn.
  • Right arm straight out for a right turn, or left arm bent upward.
  • Left arm bent downward to signal stopping or slowing.

These skills are essential for safe and confident riding. They also prepare you for more advanced cycling adventures. Mastering these basics is an important part of the Cycling merit badge, helping you become a responsible and skilled cyclist.

Mastering Road Biking for the Cycling Merit Badge

For the Cycling merit badge, Scouts who choose the road biking option will practice advanced riding skills and complete long-distance rides. These activities teach how to ride safely on streets, follow traffic rules, and build endurance for longer trips. Here’s a breakdown of the skills and tasks you’ll need to complete.

Urban Street Skills

• Making Left Turns:
  • Standard Left Turn: Signal with your left arm, move to the center of the lane or into the left-turn lane, and make the turn when it’s safe.
  • Alternate Left Turn: In heavy traffic, ride straight through the intersection, stop at the far corner, and cross with the traffic flow.
• Right Turns: Signal with your right arm, stay close to the curb, and turn smoothly.
• Right-Turn-Only Lanes: If you need to go straight, move into the through-traffic lane well before the intersection and signal your position.

Riding Near the Edge and Parked Cars

• Curbside Riding: Stay about 2-3 feet from the curb to avoid debris or uneven pavement.
• Riding by Parked Cars: Keep enough distance to avoid opening car doors. This area is called the “door zone.” Always watch for drivers opening doors or pulling out.

Crossing Railroad Tracks
Cross tracks at a right angle (90 degrees) to avoid slipping. Slow down and look both ways for trains. Keep your handlebars steady as you ride over.

Long-Distance Rides
You’ll complete six rides:

• Two rides of 10 miles, two rides of 15 miles, and two rides of 25 miles.
• Avoid highways. Record the date, route, and anything interesting you see on each ride, such as landmarks, wildlife, or unique views.

Completing a 50-Mile Ride
After finishing your shorter rides, you’ll tackle a 50-mile ride. You can:

• Plan Your Own Route: Use a road map to lay out a safe trip that avoids busy highways. Complete it within eight hours.
• Join a Bike Tour: Participate in an organized event with other cyclists. Use the cue sheet (a list of turns and landmarks) to create a map of your journey afterward.

These activities build your confidence and endurance as a cyclist. They also help you become more comfortable riding in traffic and handling long distances. Completing this road biking option is a rewarding part of the Cycling merit badge and prepares you for future biking adventures.

Mastering Mountain Biking for the Cycling Merit Badge

The mountain biking option for the Cycling merit badge focuses on handling skills, trail riding, and completing long rides on rough terrain. These activities teach you how to navigate trails safely and responsibly while building endurance and confidence.

Mountain Bike Handling Skills

• Neutral and Ready Positions:
  • Neutral Position: This is your relaxed riding position. Keep your pedals level, knees and elbows slightly bent, and your weight centered over the bike.
  • Ready Position: Use this when approaching obstacles or rough terrain. Stand on the pedals with your knees and elbows bent and your body slightly back. This helps you absorb shocks and stay balanced.
• Bike-Body Separation:
  • Side to Side: Move your body side to side to keep balance when turning or on uneven trails.
  • Forward and Back: Shift your weight forward or back depending on the terrain, such as leaning forward for climbs and backward for descents.
• Cornering: Lean your bike into turns while keeping your body balanced. Look through the turn to guide your movement.

Shifting and Hill Techniques

• Shifting Skills: Shift to lower gears for climbs and higher gears for flat or downhill terrain. Shift early, not while pedaling hard, to avoid damaging the chain.
• Climbing: Use seated climbing for steady uphill rides, crouched climbing for short bursts of power, and standing climbing for steep sections.
• Descending: Stay in the ready position, keep your weight back, and control your speed with both brakes.

Trail Riding and Etiquette

• Trail Etiquette: Yield the right-of-way to hikers and uphill riders. Announce yourself politely when passing. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment.
• Crossing Obstacles: For logs, rocks, or other obstacles, decide whether to ride over them or dismount and walk. Use the ready position to ride over smaller obstacles.
• Riding Over Rocks, Gravel, and Roots: Keep a steady speed and relaxed grip. Let your bike roll over the terrain without sudden movements.

Rules of Trail Riding
Follow posted signs and avoid trails marked as unsuitable for bikes. Avoid riding on muddy trails, as this can cause damage. Respect wildlife and pack out all trash.

Trail Rides and Reporting
You’ll complete six rides:

• Two rides of 2 miles, two rides of 5 miles, and two rides of 8 miles.
• Record the date, route, and anything interesting you see, such as wildlife, scenic views, or unique trail features.

Planning and Completing a 22-Mile Trail Ride
After the shorter rides, plan a 22-mile trail ride. Use a trail map to select connected trails that avoid highways. Complete the ride within six hours, taking breaks as needed.

The mountain biking option for the Cycling merit badge teaches valuable skills for riding on trails and handling different terrain. These experiences help you enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and prepared for challenges.

Bicycle Riding Log

A bicycle log sheet is a helpful tool for Scouts working on the Cycling merit badge. It helps you keep track of your rides by recording details like the date, location, distance, or time spent riding. You can also note points of interest, such as cool landmarks or wildlife you see, and describe the weather conditions.

Keeping a log is important for tracking your progress and meeting the requirements of the Cycling merit badge. It also creates a record of your adventures that you can look back on after completing your rides.

50 Miler Award

The 50 Miler award is a great way for Scouts to challenge themselves and explore the outdoors. You can earn it by biking 50 miles over five days, making it a perfect goal for Scouts who enjoy cycling. This award is also a chance to give back, as completing a service project is part of the experience.

Working on the Cycling merit badge can prepare you for the 50 Miler award by teaching you bike safety, maintenance, and planning skills. It’s a rewarding adventure that helps you build endurance, teamwork, and appreciation for the outdoors, whether on trails or open roads.

National Outdoor Badges – Riding

The National Outdoor Badge for Riding is a great goal for Scouts who love cycling, horseback riding, or other riding activities. This advanced award celebrates dedication to outdoor adventures and recognizes achievements in riding long distances. Earning it helps you develop skills, endurance, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

The Cycling merit badge is a key step toward earning this award. It helps you build the confidence and knowledge needed for safe and enjoyable rides. As you log more miles, you can add gold or silver devices to your badge, showing your progress and commitment to riding adventures.

Cycling Troop Program Feature

The Cycling troop program feature helps Scouts learn bicycle skills and safety while enjoying outdoor adventures. It combines troop meetings, games, and outings to teach Scouts how to use bikes as transportation, exercise, and fun. This feature encourages physical fitness and promotes environmentally friendly ways to get around. It also supports work toward the Cycling merit badge.

Meetings are divided into essential, challenging, and advanced topics to fit different skill levels. Scouts learn skills like changing tires, adjusting brakes, and planning for longer rides. The program ends with an exciting main event, such as a day ride, an overnight trip, or a multi-day trek.

Bicycle Safety Crossword Puzzle

A bicycle safety crossword puzzle is a fun way to start a meeting about bike safety. It introduces key terms like “helmet,” “brake,” and “reflector,” helping Scouts learn important concepts in a simple way. After completing the puzzle, you can use it to start a discussion about how to stay safe while biking.

This activity ties in well with the Cycling merit badge by reinforcing safety topics Scouts need to know. It also helps Scouts remember tips for bike control, repairs, and safe riding practices. Fun activities like this make learning about bike safety more engaging.

More Merit Badge Resources

Merit badges let Scouts explore new skills and interests while learning about exciting topics like science, outdoor adventure, and careers. There are more than 100 merit badges to choose from, including the Cycling merit badge, which teaches bike safety and long-distance riding. Any Scout can earn merit badges at any time, so you can start exploring what interests you right away.

The Cycling merit badge is part of a larger group of badges focused on health, safety, and outdoor skills. Whether you enjoy crafts, technology, or sports, there’s a badge for you. Talk to your Scoutmaster to get started on your next badge!

Learn More about Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA is a program for youth aged 11 to 17 that helps them build character, learn leadership, and develop outdoor skills. Scouts take part in activities like camping, hiking, and earning merit badges, including the Cycling merit badge. The program focuses on teamwork, service, and personal growth while teaching skills that last a lifetime.

The Cycling merit badge is just one way Scouts can explore their interests and develop confidence. Through adventures, service projects, and learning opportunities, Scouts BSA helps young people gain valuable experiences and prepare for the future. It’s a program that inspires growth and lifelong skills.

What is the Cycling merit badge about?

The Cycling merit badge teaches you how to safely ride and take care of a bike. You’ll learn about bike safety, repairs, and skills for long rides. You’ll also explore either road biking or mountain biking.

Do I need my own bike to earn the Cycling merit badge?

Yes, you need access to a bike that fits you and is in good working condition. You can use a road bike or mountain bike depending on the option you choose.

What are the two options for the Cycling merit badge?

You can choose road biking or mountain biking. Road biking focuses on riding on streets and longer distances. Mountain biking focuses on trails and handling rough terrain.

How far do I have to ride for the Cycling merit badge?

For road biking, you’ll do six rides of increasing distances (two 10-mile, two 15-mile, and two 25-mile rides) and a 50-mile ride. For mountain biking, you’ll do six trail rides (two 2-mile, two 5-mile, and two 8-mile rides) and a 22-mile ride.

Do I need to know how to fix a bike for the Cycling merit badge?

Yes, you’ll learn basic bike repairs. This includes fixing a flat tire, adjusting brakes and gears, and keeping your bike clean and lubed.

What safety skills are covered in the Cycling merit badge?

A: You’ll learn to check your bike for safety, use proper hand signals, ride predictably, and avoid hazards. You’ll also learn to use a helmet and dress for the weather.

Can I ride on busy roads for the Cycling merit badge?

No, the rides should avoid main highways and heavy traffic areas. You’ll practice safe riding on streets with light traffic or on bike-friendly trails.

Do I have to ride alone?

No, the Cycling merit badge requires you to use the BSA buddy system. You must ride with a buddy or a group for safety.

Why do I need a helmet for the Cycling merit badge?

A helmet protects your head in case of an accident. For the Cycling merit badge, wearing a helmet is required to ride safely.

How can I prepare for the long rides?

Start with shorter rides and build up your endurance. Check your bike before each ride, bring water, and wear comfortable clothes.

The Cycling merit badge is a fun way to build your biking skills while exploring new places. It teaches you how to safely ride a bike, fix common problems, and plan exciting trips. You can choose between road biking and mountain biking, giving you the freedom to focus on what you enjoy most. Whether riding on quiet streets or rugged trails, you’ll learn important skills to help you ride safely and confidently.

This merit badge helps you understand the rules of the road and how to share paths with others. You’ll practice using hand signals, checking your bike for safety, and riding predictably to avoid accidents. Along the way, you’ll also learn how to handle challenges like rough terrain, hills, and unexpected obstacles.

One of the most exciting parts of the Cycling merit badge is completing long rides. These trips build your endurance and confidence. You’ll record your rides, plan a major route, and enjoy the scenery along the way. With the BSA buddy system, you’ll stay safe and share the adventure with a friend.

The Cycling merit badge is more than just a requirement—it’s a chance to gain independence, explore the outdoors, and develop lifelong skills. Whether you’re cruising down a road or tackling a tough trail, you’ll be ready for the journey ahead.