Bears on Bikes Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 7
Typical Time to Complete: 1 meeting, plus a 30-minute bike ride
Parent Involvement: Bike transportation, fitting, and ride participation as needed
Preparation Needed: Choose a safe route, inspect bikes, set up practice areas
Activity Level: Moderate to very high
Indoor or Outdoor: Primarily outdoor
Special Requirements: Bicycle access, helmet, buddy system, 30-minute ride
Supplies Snapshot: Bikes, helmets, pump, pressure gauge, cones, chalk, safety gear
The Bears on Bikes adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts build confidence while having fun on two wheels. Scouts learn essential skills that make cycling safer and more enjoyable.
Through hands-on activities, Scouts practice wearing a helmet correctly, choosing proper clothing, using hand signals, adjusting a bike seat, operating brakes, and inflating tires. They also discover how basic maintenance keeps a bicycle safe and ready to ride.
The adventure concludes with a 30-minute group bike ride using the buddy system. It gives Scouts an opportunity to apply their new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the fun of riding together.
Requirements for the Bears on Bikes Adventure
Bears on Bikes Adventure Requirements
- Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet.
- Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
- Demonstrate proper hand signals.
- Demonstrate how to adjust saddle height.
- Demonstrate how to operate brakes.
- Learn how to use a pump to inflate your tires. Discuss why riding with low-pressure or flat tires is unsafe and can cause damage to your bike.
- With your family, den, or pack, follow the buddy system and go on a 30-minute bike ride.
Printable requirements for Bears on Bikes Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Bears on Bikes Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Bears on Bikes Adventure
Requirement 1: Helmet Fit
Show how to properly wear a bicycle helmet.
Help Scouts check that their helmets sit level, cover the forehead, and stay snug when they move their heads. Use the “two-finger rule” under the chin and make sure the side straps form a V beneath each ear.
Easy Option: Pair Scouts and let them use a simple checklist to inspect each other’s helmet fit. See Bike Helmet Fitting.
Another option:
- Helmet Relay: Cub Scouts demonstrate proper helmet fitting during a relay game.
Requirement 2: What to Wear
Decide what you should wear when riding a bike.
Invite Scouts to compare safe cycling clothes with items that could cause problems, such as loose pants, sandals, or dark clothing. Emphasize closed-toe shoes, bright colors, and clothing that cannot become caught in the chain.
Easy Option: Display several clothing items and have Scouts sort them into “safe for biking” and “not safe for biking” groups. See Dress the Cub Scout.
Requirement 3: Hand Signals
Demonstrate proper hand signals.
Turn hand-signal practice into a quick game so Scouts learn when to signal, not merely how to form each signal. Remind them to look for traffic, maintain control of the bicycle, and signal early.
- Left Turn – Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
- Right Turn – Extend your right arm straight out to the side, or bend your left arm up at a 90-degree angle with your hand flat.
- Stopping or Slowing Down – Extend your left arm and bend it down at a 90-degree angle with your hand open.
Easy Option: Play “Bear Says,” calling out left turn, right turn, slow, and stop for Scouts to demonstrate.
Another option:
- Left Turn, Right Turn: Cub Scouts learn and practice bike hand signals.
Requirement 4: Saddle Height
Demonstrate how to adjust saddle height.
Use one adjustable bicycle to show how seat height affects balance, comfort, and pedaling. Leaders should handle any difficult adjustments and ensure the seat post remains below its safety-limit marking.
Easy Option: Adjust one bicycle for several Scouts and let each Scout check whether the seat is too high, too low, or comfortable. See Saddle Up.
Requirement 5: Using the Brakes
Demonstrate how to operate brakes.
Set up a short, level practice area where Scouts can build speed slowly and stop under control. Encourage them to apply the brakes smoothly while keeping both hands on the handlebars.
Easy Option: Mark a stopping line with chalk and challenge Scouts to stop close to it without crossing. See Brake Test.
Requirement 6: Tire Inflation
Learn how to use a pump to inflate your tires. Discuss why riding with low-pressure or flat tires is unsafe and can cause damage to your bike.
Show Scouts how to find the recommended tire pressure and attach a pump securely to the valve. Explain that properly inflated tires make steering and braking easier while helping prevent damage to the tire and wheel.
Easy Option: Let each Scout add a small amount of air to one tire, then check the pressure with a gauge. See Pump It Up.
Requirement 7: Group Bike Ride
With your family, den, or pack, follow the buddy system and go on a 30-minute bike ride.
Choose a beginner-friendly route away from heavy traffic and inspect every bicycle before leaving. Use buddies, keep the group together, schedule water breaks, and make sure leaders know the route and emergency plan.
Easy Option: Ride for 15 minutes on a familiar park path, turn around, and follow the same route back. See Bear Bike Ride.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Bears on Bikes Adventure
What is the Bears on Bikes adventure?
The Bears on Bikes adventure is a program where Bear Cub Scouts learn about bicycle safety, bike maintenance, and cycling skills.
Who can participate in the Bears on Bikes adventure?
Any registered Bear Cub Scout can participate in this adventure. It’s designed for Scouts who are in the third grade.
What do Scouts learn in the Bears on Bikes adventure?
Scouts learn how to properly wear a helmet, what clothes to wear for cycling, how to use hand signals, and how to maintain their bikes. They also go on a group bike ride.
Why is it important to learn bike maintenance in the Bears on Bikes adventure?
Learning bike maintenance helps Scouts keep their bikes in good condition, which makes riding safer and more enjoyable.
Do Scouts need their own bike for the Bears on Bikes adventure?
Yes, Scouts should have their own bike that fits them well and is in good working condition. If this is not possible, reach out to your den leader for assistance.
Rolling into Fun
The Bears on Bikes adventure is a fun way for Bear Cub Scouts to learn about biking. This program teaches them how to be safe on a bike and how to take care of it.
Scouts learn to wear a helmet the right way and pick the right clothes for cycling. These steps are very important to keep them safe while riding. They also learn to fix and check their bikes. They find out how to adjust the seat, use the brakes, and pump air into the tires. These skills help them keep their bikes working well.
Scouts also practice hand signals and ride bikes together using the buddy system. They learn how to show turns and stops using their hands. This helps them stay safe and lets other people know what they are going to do next. The adventure ends with a 30-minute group bike ride. This ride lets them use what they have learned and have fun biking with friends or family.
Bears on Bikes is a great way for Scouts to start enjoying biking. It teaches them to ride safely and take care of their bikes. This can help them enjoy biking for many years.
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