The Cycling Merit Badge is a special award that holds a place of honor among Scouts. It’s one of just three badges, along with swimming and hiking, that you need to earn to become an Eagle Scout. An Eagle Scout is the highest rank you can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
Earning this badge is no walk in the park. The requirements are tough and will test both your physical strength and your knowledge. Scouts have to complete several bike rides of different lengths: two 10-mile rides, two 15-mile rides, two 25-mile rides, and a final 50-mile ride that must be done in less than eight hours. These rides aren’t just about speed; they’re about endurance and skill, too.
Many scouts in the Atlanta area practice on popular trails like the Alpharetta Greenway or the Silver Comet Path. Apart from long rides, scouts also need to learn important skills like basic bike safety, how to look after their bike, and first aid.
Cycling Merit Badge Requirements
| 1. Do the following: (a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in cycling activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. Explain to your counselor how to ride predictability, be conspicuous, think ahead, and ride ready. (b) Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while cycling, including cuts, scratches, blisters, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hypo-thermia, frostbite, dehydration, insect stings, tick bites, and snakebite. Explain to your counselor why you should be able to identify the poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area. |
| 2. Describe your state and local laws concerning bicycles. Discuss what is the same and what is different from laws applying to motor vehicles. Explain where and how you should ride on roads and streets to include lane position, changing lanes, making left and right turns, and riding through intersections. |
| 3. Explain the importance of wearing a properly sized and fitted helmet while cycling and of wearing the right clothing for the weather. Know the BSA Bike Safety Guidelines. |
| 4. Using a bicycle safety checklist, clean and adjust a bicycle and present it to your counselor for inspection. Do the following: (a) Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride. (b) Show how to adjust the saddle and handlebars for a proper fit. (c) Show how to adjust brakes and gear shifting (derailleurs). (d) Show all points that need regular lubrication. (e) Show how to repair a flat by removing the tire, replacing or patching the tube, and remounting the tire. (f) Show that the bicycle meets local laws. |
| 5. Demonstrate basic bicycle handling skills to your counselor, to include how to properly mount your bicycle, starting and stopping (to include emergency stops), riding in a straight line, turning, shifting gears, scanning, and signaling. |
| 6. Using the BSA buddy system, complete all of the requirements for ONE of the following options: road biking OR mountain biking.* Option A: Road Biking (a) Take a road test with your counselor and demonstrate the following: (1) On an urban street with light traffic, properly execute a left turn from the center of the street; also demonstrate an alternate left-turn technique used during periods of heavy traffic. (2) Properly execute a right turn. (3) Demonstrate appropriate actions at a right-turn-only lane when you are continuing straight. (4) Show proper curbside and road-edge riding. Show how to ride safely along a row of parked cars. (5) Cross railroad tracks properly. (b) Avoiding main highways, take two rides of 10 miles each, two rides of 15 miles each, and two rides of 25 miles each. You must make a report of the rides taken. List dates for the routes traveled, and interesting things seen on the ride. (c) After completing requirement 2 for the road biking option, do ONE of the following: (1) Lay out on a road map a 50-mile trip. Stay away from main highways. Using your map, make this ride in eight hours or less. (2) Participate in an organized bike tour of at least 50 miles. Make this ride in eight hours or less. Afterward, use the tour’s cue sheet to make a map of the ride. Option B: Mountain Biking (a) Demonstrate the following mountain bike handling skills to your counselor: (1) Neutral position, ready position, bike body separation (side to side, and forward and back), and body positioning for cornering (2) Show shifting skills as applicable to climbs and obstacles. (3) Show proper technique for riding up (seated, crouched, and standing) and down hills. (b) Take a trail ride with your counselor and demonstrate the following: (1) Show proper trail etiquette to hikers and other cyclists, including when to yield the right-of-way. (2) Demonstrate how to correctly cross an obstacle by either going over the obstacle on your bike or dismounting your bike and crossing over or around the obstacle (3) Cross rocks, gravel, and roots properly (c) Describe the rules of trail riding, including how to know when a trail is unsuitable for riding. (d) On trails approved by your counselor, take two rides of 2 miles each, two rides of 5 miles each, and two rides of 8 miles each. You must make a report of the rides taken. List dates for the routes traveled, and interesting things seen. (e) After fulfilling the previous requirement, lay out on a trail map a 22-mile trip. You may include multiple trail systems, if needed. Stay away from main highways. Using your map, make this ride in six hours. |
Cycling and First Aid
While cyclists can prepare for their rides by keeping their bodies and bikes fit and by planning their routes, sometimes first-aid situations will arise, and all riders should be prepared to take action.
When cycling, hazards you may encounter include road traffic, poor weather conditions, uneven road surfaces, and mechanical issues with your bike. Here’s what you can do:
- Anticipate: Always be aware of your surroundings. Look ahead for obstacles like potholes or debris on the road.
- Help Prevent: Wear bright clothing and use lights on your bike so you can be seen easily. Follow all road signs and signals.
- Mitigate: If the weather looks bad, either don’t go cycling or make sure you’re equipped with rain gear and know how to control your bike in slippery conditions.
- Respond: Carry a basic first aid kit and know how to use it. Also, have a repair kit for minor bike issues like a flat tire.
To ensure you’re riding safely, remember these four tips:
- Ride Predictably: Always ride in a straight line and signal before turning or stopping.
- Be Conspicuous: Make sure you’re easy to see. Use lights and wear bright colors.
- Think Ahead: Always keep an eye on what’s coming up and be prepared to react.
- Ride Ready: Before heading out, make sure your bike is in good condition and you have all the necessary safety gear.
Check it out for answers cycling merit badge.
1. Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts and Scrapes (abrasions) Cuts may be caused by knive, razors, or broken glass. An abrasion is a wound that occurs as a result of the outer layers of the skin being rubbed or scraped off.
Surface, for example when bicyclist falls onto the pavement. The wound may not bleed very much. The greatest danger lies in contamination and possible infection of the wound.
To protect your self from cuts and scrapes, dress appropriately for the activity. For intance, boots, jeans, gloves, long-sleeved shirt.
A few simple precautions can help you avoid the pain of the treatment and healing process. treat a minor cut or scrape by flushing the area with clean water for at least five minutes, or until all foreign matter appears to be washed away.
Apply triple antibiotic ointment if the person has no known allergies or sensitivities to the medication, and then cover with a dry, sterile dressing and bandage or with an adhesive bandage.
2. Sunburn
Sunburn is a common injury among people who enjoy being outdoors. Most sunburns are first-degree burns, but prolonged exposure to the sun can cause blistering a second degree burn.
Repeated sunburns over a long period of time can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
People with lighter skin are most at risk, although others are not immune. Treat painfun sunburn as for any heat burn or with cool, damp or wet cloths, change the cloths frequently.
Prevent further injury by getting the person under shade. if no shade is available of you are out on a hiking or boating trip, have the person wear a brimmed hat, pants, and a long sleeved shirt for protection from the sun.
3. Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body is losing more heat then it can generate. Exposure to the cold and dehydration are a couple of contributing factors to hypothermia.
Wind, rain, hunger, and exhaustion can further compound the danger. A biker caught out in a cold, windy rain shower without proper rain gear can be at great risk.
A hypothermia victim may experience numbness, fatigue, irritability, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering, poor judgment or decision making, and loss of consciousness.
After calling for help, use any or all of the following methods to help rewarm the person:
- If fully conscious and able to swallow, have the person drink warm liquids (soup, fruit juices, water; no alcohol or caffeine).
- Move the person to a shelter, replace wet clothing with dry, warm clothes or wrap the person in anything handy like jackets or a sleeping bag.
- wrap towels around water bottles filled with warm fluid, the position the bottles in the armpit and groin areas.
Note: Monitor a hypothermia victim closely for any change in condition. Do not rewarm the person too quickly (for instance, by immersing the person in warm water) doing so can be dangerous to the heart.
4. Frosbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin is exposed to temperatures cold enough that ice crystals begin to form in the tissues. The ears, nose, fingers, or feet might feel painful or numb, though the person may not notice any such sensation.
Grayish-white patches on the skin signal the first stage of frostbite or frosnip. To treat frostbite, remove wet clothing and wrap the injured area in a dry blanket.
Get the victim under the care of a physician as soon as possible. Do not massage the area or rub it with snow.
Rewarm the area only if there isno chance of refreezing. Expose the area to warm (100 to 105 F) water until normal color returns and it feels warm.
Bandage the area loosely with dry, sterile gauze between fingers and toes. To treat frostnip, move the victim into a tent or building, then warm the injured area.
To rewarm an ear or cheek, remove a glove and cover the area with the palm of your hand. Slip a frostnipped hand under your clothing and tuck it beneath an armpit.
Treat frost nipped toes by putting the victim’s bare feet against the warm skin of your belly.
5. Dehydration
When we lose move water than we take in, we become dehydrated, Symptoms of mild dehydration include increased thirst, dry lips, and dark yellow urine.
Symptoms of moderate toserve dehydration include severe thirst, dry mouth with little saliva, dry skin, weakness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, cramping, loss of appetite, decreased sweating (even with exertion), decreased urine production, and dark brown urine.
For mild dehydration, drink a quart or two of water of sports drink over two to four hours. Rest dor 24 hours and continue drinking fluids.
See a physician for moderate toserve dehydration, which requires emergency care; the victim will deed intravenous fluids.
Note: Dehydration increases the danger of frostbitten so be just as diligent about drinking fluids in cold weather as you are when the weather is hot. Drink before you feel thirsty (thirst is an indication you are already becoming dehydrated).
Also Read: Hiking Merit Badge
6. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can be brought on by a combination of dehydration and a warm envirinment. Symptoms include a severe lack of energy, general weakness, headachem nauseam faintness, and sweating like cool, pale, moist skin , and a rapid pulse.
To treat heat exhaustion, get the person in a shady, cool spot. Encourage the victim to drink small amounts of fluids, such as cool water or a sports drink.
Apply water to the skin and clothing and fan the person. Raising the legs may help prevent a feeling of faintness.
Usually after two or three hours of rest and fluids, the victim will feel better bu should rest for the remainder of the day and be extra careful about staying hydrated.
7. Heatstroke
In heatsroke, the body’s cooling system begins to fail and the person’s core temperature rises to life-threatening levels (above 105 degrees).
dehydration and overexertion in hot weather, especially in high humidity, can lead to heatstroke.
Symptoms can include an symptoms of heat exhaustion as well as hot, sweaty , red skin, confusion, disorientation, and a rapid pulse.
If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call for medical assistance immediately. Then quickly work to lower the victim’s temperature.
Move the person to a shady, cool area. Loosen tight clothing, fan the victim, and apply wet lowels. If you have ice packs, wrap them under the armpits and against the neck and groin.
If the person is able to drink, give small amounts of cool water.
8. Blisters
Blisters are pockets of fluid that form when the skin is aggravated by friction. A hot spot-the tender area as a blister starts to form-is asignal to stop immediately.
To help prevent foot blisters, wear shoes or boots that fit, change socks if they become swaty pr wet, and pay attention to how your feet feel.
To help prevent blisters on the hands, wear gloves for protection and pa attention to how your hand feel. To treat a hot spot, cover the pinkish, tender area with a piesce of moleskin or molefoam slightly larger than the hot spot.
Use several layers if necessary. If you must drain a blister, wash the skin with soap and water, the sterilize a pin in the flame of a match.
Prick the blister near its lower edge and press out the fluid. change bandages every day to help keep wounds clean and avoid infection.
9. Bites and Stings
| Tick. To avoid getting bitten by ticks, wear long pants and along-sleeved shirt whenever you are in tick-infested woodlands and fields. Ticks bury their heads beneath the skin of their victims. To remove a tick with gloved hands, grasp it with tweezers close to the skin and gently pull until it comes loose. Don’t squeeze, twist, or jerk the tick, as doing so could leave its mouth parts still buried in the skin and may cause the tick to release more of any disease-carrying bacteria. Wash the wound with soap, water, and apply and antiseptic. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling a tick. |
| Fire ants. the sting of a fire ant can be extremely painful. Be careful not to break the tiny blisters that form from the stings. Wash the area well using antiseptic or soap and water. Cover with a sterile bandage. For relief, try a paste made of baking soda, water, and take a mild nonaspirin pain reliever. |
| Bee, was, or hornet stings. If you are sting by a bee, wasp, or hornet but are not allergic to their stings, simply remove the stinger by scraping it out with a knive blade. Don’t try to squeeze the stinger out. Doing so will force more venom into the skin from the sac attached to the stinger. Use an ice pack to help reduce pain and swelling. |
For the few people who are allergic to bee or wasp venom or fire ant bites, these injuries can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock.
Any scout who has an allergy that could cause anaphylactic shock should share that information with his unit leaders and let them know whre anaphylaxis medications are kept so that they can be made available at a moment’s notice.
Snakebites. The nonvenomouse snakebite caises minor puncture wounds and can be treated as such. Scrub the bite with soap and water then apply an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage.
However, the bite of a venomouse snakebite requires special care like:
- Step 1 – Get the victim under medical care as soon as possible so that physicians can neutralize the venom.
- Step 2 – Remove rings and other jewelry that might cause problems should the bite area swell.
- Step 3 – If the victim must wait for medical attention do drive, wash the wound. For a coral snakebite, wrap the area snugly (but comfortably) with an elastic roller bandage.
- Step 4 – Have the victim lie down and position the bitten part lower than the rest of his body. keep him calm and assure him that he is being cared for.
- Step 5 – Treat for shock. Do not give the victim alcohol, sedatives, or aspirin. Do not apply ice to the snakebite, ice could damage the skin and tissue. Do not make any cuts in or apply suction to the bite, apply a tourniquet, or use electric shock such as from a car battery. Thes methods could cause more harm to the victim or are not proven to be effective.
Also Read: Swimming Merit Badge
BSA Bike Safety Guidelines
BSA has a listing of bike security standards on the Scouting.org website. The guidelines and procedures are related to all BSA systems, council, and also national program activities including biking.
Right here is a summary of several of the bike-specific standards to complete cycling merit badge requirements.
1. Qualified Supervision
All unit, district, council, and national event activities must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult at least age 21 who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the safety of children in his or her care.
Who is experienced with the skills and equipment involved in the activity and who is committed to compliance with these BSA safety guidelines.
2. Physical Fitness
Biking is strenuous. Long treks and hill climbing should not be attempted without training and preparation.
For scout activity, all participants must present evidence of fitness assured by a complete health history from physician, parent, or legal guardian.
The adult super visor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate any potential risk associated with individuals health condition.
Should any participant have a significant health problem, the adult leader should require proof that the participant has been examined by a physician.
Also Read: Personal Fitness Merit Badge
3. Helmets and Clothing
All cyclists must wear a properly sized and fitted helmet approved and stickered by either the snell memorial foundation or the American National Standards Institute.
On cool days, cyclists should dress in layers so they can adjust clothing to avoid chilling or overheating. When skies are clear, cyclists should cover up for protection from the sun.
4. Buddy System
When the program activity is a bicycle expedition or trek, the buddy system must be used. When there is program activity emphasizing individual performance skills, one buddy observes while the other takes a turn.
In competitive activity must be directly observed by the adult supervisor.
(Scouts should be taught that biking with a buddy is best. When biking alone, apart from scout activities, the scout should be encouraged to tell someone their route, schedule, and destination before departing)
5. Position in Traffic
Cyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, as far to the right as possible. They should avoid curbs, storm drains, soft or loose gravel on shoulders, and other hazards.
6. Safety Rules
Cyclists should obey all traffic laws, sign, signals, street markings, and should watch for changes in road conditions.
They should ride only one to a bike and should not ride after dark. They should not attempt stunts-trick riding is only for professionals using special equipment.
Even when cyclists think the have the right-of-way, the should yield to motor vehicles. No cyclist should ever hitch a ride on another vehicle and do not wear headphones while riding.
7. Turns and Intersections
Before turning, cyclists should look left, right, back, and ahead. They should stop and look in all directions when entering a street from a driveway, parking area, sidewalk, or alley.
All turns must be signaled using universal hand signs. Cyclists should walk their bikes through or across busy intersections.
8. Equipment
Cyclists should ride only bikes that fit their size. Select a bike that permits you to put both feet on the ground while standing over the top tube.
The handgrips should be no higher than your shoulders or lower than your seat.
9. Bicycle Accessories
Every bike needs a horn or bell and reflectors (front, back, and sides). Items should be carried only in baskets or saddlebags or in a rear carrier rack.
A bike or helmet-mounted mirror is recommended for those who must ride in traffic. For long trips, a bike-mounted container for drinking water is recommended.
10. Maintenance
Bikes must be kept clean and maintained especially the brakes and drive chain, check and change brake pads if necessary. Don’t forget to learn how to fix a flat tube.
11. Racing Right
Open street racing is dangerous. racing should take place only with the supervision and on marked courses that have been set up to exclude other vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
This is intended to eliminate fall hazards, minimize collision risks, and to define clearly the starting and finishing points.
12. Planning
Plan both the route and timing of bike trips should be planned to avoid heavy traffic and hazardous conditions.
Biking is unsafe in wet pavement and on windy days. Plans should include hourly (at least) rest stops and a maximum of approximately six hours of time on the bike er day.
13. Discipline
All participants should know, understand, and follow the rules and procedures for safe biking. Then all participants should conscientiously and carefully follow all directions from the adult supervisor.
Understanding Bicycle Laws and Safe Riding Practices
Laws about bicycles can vary from state to state and even city to city, so it’s essential to know your local rules. Generally, bikes are seen as vehicles and have to follow the same basic rules as cars, like stopping at red lights and stop signs. However, there are some differences. For example, many places have bike lanes, and you’re often required to use them. When riding on roads:
- Lane Position: Stick to the right side of the road, unless you’re turning left or passing.
- Changing Lanes: Always look over your shoulder and signal before you change lanes.
- Left Turn: Signal, move to the left lane, and turn when it’s safe.
- Right Turn: Signal and make the turn from the right lane.
- Intersections: Follow traffic lights and signs. Make eye contact with drivers if possible.
Simple Table for Safe Riding:
| Riding Action | Where and How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Lane Position | Right side of the road, unless turning left |
| Changing Lanes | Look over shoulder, signal, then move |
| Left Turn | Signal, shift to left lane, turn when safe |
| Right Turn | Signal, stay in right lane, turn when safe |
| Intersections | Obey traffic lights/signs, make eye contact |
The Importance of Proper Gear for Safe Cycling
Wearing the right gear is super important when you’re cycling. A well-fitted helmet can be a lifesaver, protecting your head if you fall or crash. It needs to be snug but not too tight and should cover your forehead.
For clothing, it’s all about the weather. In hot weather, go for lightweight and light-colored clothes that let your skin breathe. If it’s cold, layer up and consider a windproof jacket.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Bike Safety Guidelines also remind us to always wear bright or reflective clothes so drivers can see us more easily.
Simple Table for Safe Gear:
| Gear Type | Importance | How to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Protects the head in case of falls or accidents | Should be snug but not too tight, covers forehead |
| Clothing | Weather-appropriate wear helps manage body temperature | Light and breathable for hot weather, layered for cold weather |
| Visibility | Being seen by drivers reduces accident risks | Bright or reflective clothing |
Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Inspection
Keeping your bike in tip-top shape is crucial for a safe ride. Regularly check parts like brakes, tires, and gears to make sure they’re working well. Adjusting your saddle and handlebars to fit you perfectly will make your ride more comfortable and safe.
Make sure your brakes are responsive and your gears shift smoothly. Don’t forget to oil the chain and any other parts that need it. If you get a flat tire, you should know how to take off the tire, patch or replace the tube, and put the tire back on.
Last but not least, your bike should meet local laws, like having reflectors or lights for night riding.
Simple Table for Bicycle Safety and Maintenance:
| Task | Importance | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Safety Checks | Keeps bike safe for riding | Check brakes, tires, and gears |
| Saddle & Handlebar Adjustment | Ensures comfort and control | Adjust height and angle for a good fit |
| Brake & Gear Adjustment | Ensures proper functioning | Make sure brakes are responsive and gears shift smoothly |
| Lubrication Points | Keeps parts moving smoothly | Oil the chain, pedals, and any squeaky parts |
| Flat Tire Repair | Essential for uninterrupted riding | Remove tire, patch or replace tube, remount tire |
| Local Law Compliance | Legal requirement | Could be lights, reflectors, or a bell |
Detailed Steps:
- Check Points for Safety: Always check your tires, brakes, lights, and chain before you ride. Make sure nothing’s loose or broken.
- Adjust Saddle and Handlebars: Make sure your seat and handlebars are at the right height. This makes the ride comfy and helps you control the bike better.
- Adjust Brakes and Gears: Brakes should stop your bike quickly but not be too tight. Gears should change smoothly. Adjust the cables to get it just right.
- Lubricate Points: Your chain and gears need regular oiling. This makes them last longer and work better.
- Repair a Flat Tire: If you get a flat, you’ll need to take off the tire, patch the inner tube, and put it all back together.
- Local Laws: Make sure your bike has lights and reflectors so you’re easy to see. This is often the law, and it keeps you safe.
Mastering Basic Bicycle Handling Skills
Knowing how to handle your bike well makes riding safe and fun. Here are some basic skills you should master.
Simple Table for Bicycle Handling Skills:
| Skill | How to Do It | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting the Bicycle | Stand next to it, swing leg over | To start riding safely |
| Starting and Stopping | Push pedal to start, squeeze brakes to stop | To control your movement |
| Emergency Stops | Squeeze brakes hard and quickly | To avoid accidents |
| Riding in a Straight Line | Keep eyes forward, grip handlebars | To go where you intend to |
| Turning | Slow down, signal, turn carefully | To change direction safely |
| Shifting Gears | Use gear levers while pedaling lightly | To adapt to different terrains |
| Scanning | Look over shoulder without swerving | To see traffic behind you |
| Signaling | Use hand signals for turns and stops | To let others know your intentions |
Detailed Steps:
- Mounting the Bicycle: Stand beside your bike, hold the handlebars, and swing one leg over the seat to mount.
- Starting and Stopping: To start, push down on one pedal. To stop, gently squeeze the brakes.
- Emergency Stops: In urgent situations, squeeze your brakes hard and quickly. Keep your weight back to stay balanced.
- Riding in a Straight Line: Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. This helps you stay on course.
- Turning: Before you turn, slow down and use hand signals. Turn smoothly.
- Shifting Gears: Use the gear levers on your handlebars to change gears. Do this while pedaling lightly.
- Scanning: To see what’s behind you, quickly glance over your shoulder without turning the bike.
- Signaling: Use hand signals to show you’re turning or stopping. Left arm straight out for left turns, and bent upwards for right turns. Arm down to signal stopping.
Road Biking Skills and Adventures with a Buddy
When road biking, safety and skills go hand in hand. Completing these tasks with a buddy makes the experience more enjoyable and adds an extra layer of safety.
Simple Table for Road Biking Skills:
| Skill | How to Do It | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Left Turn in Light Traffic | Signal, move to center, turn left | To make turns safely |
| Alternate Left-Turn Technique | Stay right, cross straight, turn bike, then turn | Heavy traffic safety |
| Right Turn | Signal, move to right, turn right | To make turns safely |
| Straight in Right-Turn Lane | Stay in main lane, avoid right-turn-only lane | To continue straight safely |
| Curbside Riding | Ride a bit away from the curb | To avoid obstacles |
| Riding by Parked Cars | Keep distance, watch for opening doors | To stay safe |
| Crossing Railroad Tracks | Cross at a right angle | To avoid getting wheel stuck |
Detailed Steps:
- Left Turn in Light Traffic: Signal your intention, move to the center of the road, and then execute a safe left turn.
- Alternate Left-Turn Technique: In heavy traffic, stay to the right. First cross the intersection going straight. Then position your bike for the left turn and wait for a green signal to complete the turn.
- Right Turn: Signal, move to the right side of the lane, and make your right turn.
- Straight in Right-Turn Lane: If you need to go straight and there’s a right-turn-only lane, stay in the main traffic lane to avoid confusion.
- Curbside and Road-Edge Riding: Keep a little distance from the curb and watch out for any obstacles.
- Riding by Parked Cars: Maintain a safe distance from parked cars to avoid sudden door openings.
- Crossing Railroad Tracks: Cross the tracks at a right angle to prevent your wheel from getting caught.
Rides and Reports:
You and your buddy can plan and complete various rides—two of 10 miles, two of 15 miles, and two of 25 miles. Make notes of interesting things you see and the routes you took.
Long Rides:
Finally, you can either plan a 50-mile trip on less busy roads or participate in an organized 50-mile tour. Complete it in less than eight hours and document your journey.
Remember, the goal is to have fun while being safe, so always stick to the BSA Bike Safety Guidelines.
