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.
Bicycle Helmet Fitting
Cycling is a fun outdoor activity for Scouts of all ages. Helmets are required for all BSA cycling activities. It is important to note that this applies to adults also. Your helmet isn’t going to do you much good if it doesn’t fit correctly. Here are some guidelines.
Scouts BSA Second Class Navigation Requirements Helps and Documents
Second Class requirement 3 is related to map and compass skills. Scouts learn how to use these tools. Then they put these skills to use on a hike. They also learn about hiking safely.
Scouts BSA Tenderfoot Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents
Tenderfoot requirement 1 is related to camping and the outdoors. New Scouts learn to prepare for a campout and find out what should be on their packing lists. They use these skills when they camp overnight. They also learn how to be responsible citizens in the outdoors.
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 be cycling or horseback riding. To earn the award, members of your unit must plan and participate in a service project.
Bicycle Safety Crossword Puzzle
This simple crossword puzzle introduces bicycle 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.
Scouts BSA Second Class Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents
Second Class requirement 1 is related to camping and being outdoors. Scouts learn to select a campsite and how to have good manners in the outdoors. They put these skills to use by going on outdoor activities.
BSA Bike Safety Guidelines
BSA has a list of bike safety guidelines on the Scouting.org site. The guidelines and procedures apply to all BSA unit, council, and national program activities involving bicycling.
Scouts BSA First Class Camping and Outdoor Ethics Requirements Helps and Documents
First Class requirement 1 is related to camping and being outdoors. Scouts learn how to have good manners in the outdoors. They put these skills to use by going on outdoor activities.
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.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge Helps and Documents
Scouts learn to keep themselves healthy while working on the Personal Fitness merit badge. They explore nutrition and exercise. They develop an exercise plan and carry it out over 12 weeks. They also find out about careers related to personal fitness.
Scouts BSA First Class Leadership Requirements Helps and Documents
First Class requirement 10 is related to inviting and welcoming others. Scouts invite a friend to come to a Scout activity.
Bicycle Riding Log
For some cycling recogintions, Scouts must record the time or distance spent riding. A basic log sheet is located at the bottom of this post to help you complete this. If you really become interested in cycling, you might consider getting a simple bike computer to aid you in figuring out this data. These devices record the time spent riding, mileage, average speed, and more.
Cycling Merit Badge Helps and Documents
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.
National Outdoor Badges – Riding
When I first looked at this badge, I didn’t realize that riding covers horseback riding, bike riding, motor-boating, or skating, Youth can choose any one of these activities to complete the requirements.
Bike Inspection Checklist
Before riding a bike, Scouts should know how to do an inspection of the bicycle and check that it is in working order. The checklist below will give you a good starting point. You will need to explain each step to the Scouts so they learn the terminology and why each part is important.