About the Cycling Merit Badge
Scouts learn how to enjoy excursions on their bicycles while working on the Cycling merit badge. There is an emphasis on safety and planning in the requirements. There are options for completing the requirements by road biking or by mountain biking. The requirements can be completed by Scouts with any level of experience in cycling.
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.
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Cycling Merit Badge Resources
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.
Ask Scouter Mom a question or share your ideas with others
Requirement 1: Safety and First Aid
Requirement 1 Helps and Answers
Cycling Hazards
Motorized Vehicles
Sharing the road with cars and trucks can be dangerous. Vehicles can stop suddenly so don’t follow them too closely. Parked vehicles can open a door in front of you, so always be aware of your surroundings . Vehicles may follow you too closely so wear bright colors so they can see you.
Use hand signals so that drivers behind you know your intentions before you turn, stop, or change lanes.
Be extra careful on busy roads.
Hazards in the Road
Paved roads may have potholes. Trails may have large roots or rocks. Loose gravel is also a hazard. Crossing railroad tracks can also be very bumpy. Keep an eye on the road and be prepared to stop or avoid obstacles.
If you come to a railroad track, look both ways to check for trains. Never ride on railroad tracks! Trains can’t stop quickly.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right of way. Always be alert for them. Slow down or stop if necessary. Do not ride too close to them. They may not be aware of you and might take an unexpected turn.
Distractions
Distracted drivers might not notice you.
But distracted cyclists are also a hazard. Don’t try to use your cell phone or read a map while riding. Find a safe place to stop instead.
Stay in Control
Being out of control or riding too fast is also a hazard. Sit on your bike the right way. Slow down around turns, especially on wet surfaces. Know your own ability.
Clothing and Helmet to Stay Safe
Always always always wear a helmet. This is one of the best ways to mitigate hazards. Wear bright colored clothes so others can see you. If it is dark or getting dark, wear reflective clothing.
Bicycle Helmet Fitting
Your helmet isn’t going to do you much good if it doesn’t fit correctly. Use these guidelines to ensure a good fit.
Responding to Accidents
First get yourself to a safe place. Then assess the scene. If you are not the victim, assist them in getting to a safe place, but do it carefully, watching for hazards. You can’t help another person if you also get hurt.
Check for head or spine injuries. These can be the most serious cycling injuries. If necessary call 911.
BSA Bike Safety Guidelines
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Adjust your bicycle to fit
- Assure bicycle readiness
- See and be seen
- Watch for and avoid road hazards
- Follow the rules of the road
Requirement 2: Pre-Ride Checks
Bike Inspection Checklist
Before riding a bike for the Cycling merit badge, use this checklist to ensure that your bicycle is in good working order.
Requirement 3: Inspection
Requirement 3 Helps and Answers
Bike Repair Tips
These tips will help you understand your bike correct any problems:
Requirement 4: Brakes
Requirement 4 Helps and Answers
Requirement 5: Tires
Requirement 5 Helps and Answers
Requirement 6: Traffic Laws
Requirement 6 Helps and Answers
State Bike Laws
This site lists bicycle laws by state. Don’t click on the map. Instead scroll down to find your state.
Requirement 7: Rides
Requirement 7 Helps and Answers
Bicycle Riding Log
You need to log your rides for the Cycling Merit Badge. Keep track of how many miles you have cycled with this bike log.
Resources and Related Achievements
50 Miler Award
The 50 Miler award is not just for hikers! You can also earn it by riding your bike.
National Outdoor Badges – Riding
If you ride a lot, you can also earn the National Outdoor Award for Riding. This is an advanced award which requires some dedication.
Start Your Engines! Scouts BSA Nova Award
For those who are interested in the technology of cycling, this Nova award will let them delve deeper into the nuts and bolts and gears.
Cycling/Mountain Biking Ranger Elective
Older Scouts who are Venturers and want to challenge themselves further can earn this Ranger elective.
Cycling Troop Program Feature
This troop program feature will help youth leaders plan a series of meetings and a weekend outing around a cycling theme.
Bicycle Safety Crossword Puzzle
This crossword puzzle make a good starter activity for a meeting focused on bike safety.
Bike Hike Safety and Etiquette
Know the rules of the road before you go out riding.
Bicycle Rodeo Applause, Cheer, and Song
This is just something to add a little silliness to a cycling meeting.
Powdered Sports Drink Recipe
Save some money and make your own sports drink with this recipe.
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