Scouting/BSA/Cycling Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Along with Swimming and Hiking, Cycling is one of three options for sport-related badges required to qualify for rank advancement to Eagle Scout. Only one can be applied toward the Eagle-required badges, but additional badges qualify towards the count for the non-Eagle-required merit badge requirement

Note:The bicycle used for fulfilling these requirements must have all required safety features and must be registered as required by your local traffic laws.

Custis Trail in Northern Virginia

Requirement 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.

B. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while cycling, including cuts, scratches, blisters, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hypothermia, 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.

C. 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.

Requirement 2

Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws.

Requirement 3

Show your bicycle to your counselor for inspection. Point out the adjustments or repairs you have made.

Do the following:

A. Show all points that need regular lubrication.

B. Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride.

C. Show how to adjust brakes, seat level and height, and steering tube.

Requirement 4

Describe how to brake safely with foot brakes and with hand brakes.

Requirement 5

Show how to repair a flat by removing the tire, replacing or patching the tube, and remounting the tire.

Requirement 6

Describe your state and local traffic laws for bicycles. Compare them with motor-vehicle laws.

Requirement 7

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. Properly mount, pedal, and brake, including emergency stops.

2. 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.

3. Properly execute a right turn.

4. Demonstrate appropriate actions at a right-turn-only lane when you are continuing straight.

5. Show proper curbside and road-edge riding. Show how to ride safely along a row of parked cars.

6. 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.

C. After completing requirement B 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.

2. Participate in an organized bike tour of at least 50 miles. Make this ride in eight hours. Afterward, use the tour’s cue sheet to make a map of the ride.

OPTION B: MOUNTAIN BIKING

A. Take a trail ride with your counselor and demonstrate the following:

1. Properly mount, pedal, and brake, including emergency stops.

2. Show shifting skills as applicable to climbs and obstacles.

3. Show proper trail etiquette to hikers and other cyclists, including when to yield the right-of-way.

4. Show proper technique for riding up and down hills.

5. 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.

6. Cross rocks, gravel, and roots properly.

B. Describe the rules of trail riding, including how to know when a trail is unsuitable for riding.

C. 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.

D. 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.

External links

• Cycling Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Cycling Merit Badge Video on YouTube Robert Sholl, Troop 223, Colorado Springs, Colorado, goes over some of the requirements for the cycling merit badge using a road cycle and mountain bike.
• NHTSA Bicycle Page of the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration
• BicyclingLife.com Teaching the BSA Cycling Merit Badge
• BicyclingLife.com Educational Resources for Cycling Safety
• TrailLink online guide to rail trails throughout the USA.
• MapMyRide.com example of a 50-mile route plan by BSA Troop 50 in Connecticut