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Cycling Troop Program Feature

BSA has created updated versions of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Cycling program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

The Cycling feature teaches Scouts use their bicycles safely as a means for transportation, a form of exercise, and for fun. Cycling can develop into a skill which encourages physical fitness and is an environmentally friendly of getting around.

As part of this program, Scouts will

  • Learn about bicycle safety
  • Be able to check the fit of a bicycle
  • Go on rides which meet the requirements for the Cycling merit badge

Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

  • Learn how to change tires and tubes (essential)
  • Learn how to adjust the seat, brakes, and stem (essential)
  • Learn how to ride around the neighborhood (essential)
  • Train and prepare for a 50 mile ride (challenging)
  • Learn about gear storage and gear for longer rides (advanced)
  • Discuss safe cycling (essential)
  • Learn hand signals (essential)
  • Understand drafting (challenging)
  • Understand how to avoid common injuries (challenging)
  • Learn about long hill climbing and descent (advanced)
  • Plan for a multi-day ride (advanced)
  • Practice bike control (essential)
  • Understand how to ride safely on streets and obey traffic laws (challenging)
  • Learn how to carry gear on a bike (advanced)
  • Discuss night riding (advanced)
  • Learn the benefits of bike riding (essential)
  • Discuss goal setting (essential)
  • Learn about gear and clothing for year-round biking (challenging)
  • Discuss racing, touring, and advanced level bikes (advanced)

There are also several games and challenges suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings

  • Tire changing competition
  • Obstacle course
  • Safety trivia
  • Skills competition
  • Traffic rules test
  • Evaluation rides

The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

  • Take a day ride (essential)
  • Go on an overnight with two 50 mile rides (challenging)
  • Go on a multi-day trek, carrying gear on bikes (advanced)

Find some related helps and achievements for the Safety Troop Program Feature below.

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Cycling/Mountain Biking Ranger Elective Helps and Documents

To complete the Cycling/Mountain Biking elective for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must learn about maintaining a bicycle, safe riding, and trip planning. They must take several bike rides and share their knowledge with others.

National Outdoor Badges – Riding

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Personal Fitness Merit Badge Helps and Documents

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Cycling Merit Badge Helps and Documents

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Bicycle Helmet Fitting

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Bicycle Safety Crossword Puzzle

This simple bicycle safety crossword puzzle introduces bike safety concepts. Use it to start a discussion about safe cycling with your Scouts. It includes a list of words to use in the puzzle.

BSA Bike Safety Guidelines

BSA has a list of BSA bike safety guidelines on the Scouting.org site. The guidelines and procedures apply to all BSA unit, council, and national program activities involving bicycling.

50 Miler Award

The 50 Miler award recognizes young men and women in Scouts BSA and Venturing who hike, paddle, or ride a total of 50 miles over at least 5 consecutive days. The trek must be completed without using motors. Riding can…

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