Cycling Merit Badge (Worksheet & Requirements)

Are you looking to learn how to ride a bike and earn a Cycling Merit Badge? You’ve come to the right place! Here you will find all the worksheets and requirements needed to attain your Cycling Merit Badge.

Before you start, make sure you are up to date on all cycling basics. You need to know how to properly care for your bike, as well as be able to safely and confidently ride and navigate a bicycle. If you have not completed a basic cycling course and/or do not possess these basic skills, wait until you are proficient before attempting this merit badge.

Cycling Merit Badge Requirements

• Identify three ways of carrying cargo on a bicycle.
• Explain the proper checking of brakes before riding.
• Describe the general procedure for a pre-ride bike check.
• Describe two ways to avoid common hazards while riding.
• Explain the effects of weather and terrain on bicycle riding.
• Describe the importance of being seen while on a bicycle.
• Demonstrate bicycle emergency stops and cornering maneuvers.
• Describe the proper way to both inspect a bicycle and repair a flat tire.
• Describe the gear and supplies needed for a basic bike ride.

Worksheets

Cargo Worksheet

Answer the following questions to market your understanding of carrying cargo on a bicycle.

1. Describe three types of cargo that can be carried on a bicycle.
2. What safety measures should you take when carrying cargo on a bicycle?
3. What is the maximum weight of cargo you can safely carry on a bicycle?
4. What are the three most important cargo capacity points to remember when loading a bicycle?
5. Name two common devices frequently used to carry cargo on a bicycle.

Brakes Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of proper brake checking before riding.

1. What are the two main types of brakes you should check?
2. How often should you check your brakes?
3. What are the key points you should check for when inspecting brakes?
4. What should you do if your brakes don’t work correctly?
5. Describe the proper way to check brakes.

Pre-Ride Bike Check Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of the general procedure for a pre-ride bike check.

1. What are the three main components of a bike that you should check before a ride?
2. Describe how to properly inspect a bike chain.
3. Describe how to adjust the saddle height.
4. Explain the importance of monitoring tire pressure.
5. Describe two best practices for inspecting brakes and wheels.

Hazards Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of avoiding common hazards while riding.

1. Describe two common hazards cyclists may come across while riding.
2. Name two ways cyclists can avoid these hazards while riding.
3. Describe two common hand signals cyclists should be familiar with.
4. Name two safety items all cyclists should have while cycling.
5. Name one best practice for riding on shared roads with cars.

Weather & Terrain Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of the effects of weather and terrain on bicycle riding.

1. Describe three weather factors that can affect bicycle riding.
2. Name two terrain features that bicycle riders should be prepared to navigate on their rides.
3. Name two safety precautions cyclists should take when riding in inclement weather.
4. Describe two ways cyclists can adjust their bike and riding style to accommodate different terrain.
5. Name three factors cyclists should be aware of when riding on a gravel or dirt path.

Visibility Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of being seen while on a bicycle.

1. Name three items that can be worn to increase visibility while riding a bicycle.
2. Describe two best practices when crossing busy intersections.
3. Name two laws or regulations that require cyclists to be visible while riding.
4. Describe two ways cyclists can make themselves visible to drivers while riding on the road.
5. Name two additional tips for remaining visible while cycling.

Emergency Stops & Cornering Maneuvers Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of bicycle emergency stops and cornering maneuvers.

1. Describe the steps for a successful emergency stop while riding a bicycle.
2. Name two techniques for braking evenly when stopping on a bicycle.
3. Describe the process for approaching and turning a corner on a bicycle.
4. Name two common mistakes cyclists make when cornering on a bicycle.
5. Describe the proper way to turn on the front wheel when cornering.

Flat Tire & Gear Worksheet

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of the proper way to inspect a bicycle and repair a flat tire, as well as the gear and supplies needed for a basic bike ride.

1. Name three supplies you should carry to repair a flat tire.
2. Describe the five-point bike safety check.
3. Name two common causes of flat tires.
4. Name two items cyclists should wear while riding.
5. Name two accessories that can be added to a bicycle.

Now that you have completed your Cycling Merit Badge worksheets and requirements, you are ready to receive your badge. Congratulations! You’ve earned it!