 Cycling 
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Cycling merit badge are: 2, 7b
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Cycling Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: Must bring your bicycle for inspection portion of #2.
Note: For safty reasons you will NOT be allowed to ride your bicycle at any time during Pathways to Eagle. |
| 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. |
2. |
Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws. |
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. |
4. |
Describe how to brake safely with foot breaks and with hand brakes. |
5. |
Show how to repair a flat by removing the tire,
replacing or patching the tube, and remounting the
tire. |
6. |
Describe your state's traffic laws for bicycles.
Compare them with motor-vehicle laws. |
7. |
Using the BSA buddy system, complete all of the
requirements for road biking. The bicycle used
for fulfilling these requirements must have all
required safety features and must be registered as
required by your local traffic laws. |
| a. |
Take a road test with your counselor and
demonstrate the following: |
| 1. |
Proper 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Cycling Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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