BOY SCOUTS: Cycling Merit Badge

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "J.R. Brockman" <brock.man133@gmail.com>
Date: Feb 10, 2013 12:53 PM
Subject: Cycling Merit Badge
To:
Cc:

Dear Scouts and Parents,

 

One of our Scouts is attempting to complete the Cycling Merit Badge.  For all new parents, merit badges is a signfiicant part of the Boy Scout advancement program and is part of the progress towards Eagle Scout.  Cycling is an optional Eagle Requirement merit badge.  Optional in that you either need the Swimming or Hiking merit badge to make Eagle Scout.  This is not an easy merit badge, but it can be fun and a challenge and so I am encouraging other Scouts to consider starting this merit badge.

 

Additionally, the merit badge counselor has requested having more than one Scout to counsel so we need some additional Scouts to join in with our one Scout who will be working towards earning this merit badge.  Even if you do not have a bicyle do not let that stop you.  If you are interested in this merit badge we will work to get one for you.  We have at least two mountain bikes that can be used as loaners providing you are working on the Cycling merit badge.

 

The most difficult part of this badge is completing the required bike trips and for those Scouts who commit themselves to this we will help in making sure we schedule bike trips for them to include having support such as on-call first aid support if required etc.  Our one Scout has already started and we would look to kick off the first class within the next couple of weeks therefore all Scouts who are interested need to respond right away establishing if they do not currently own a bike.  Any parent who is a cyclist and would like to join in on the bike trips is welcome to do so.

 

Listed below are the requirements.  Scouts should review and understand the commitement that is required.  Let me know right away if you are interested and whether you need a bike.

 

Cycling merit badge requirements

Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while cycling, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, insect stings, tick bites, snakebites, blisters, and hyperventilation. Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws. 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 oiling regularly. 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. Describe how to brake safely with foot brakes and with hand brakes. Show how to repair a flat. Use an old bicycle tire. Take a road test with your counselor and demonstrate the following: a. Properly mount, pedal, and brake including emergency stops. b. 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. c. Properly execute a right turn. d. Demonstrate appropriate actions at a right-turn-only lane when you are continuing straight. e. Show proper curbside and road-edge riding. Show how to safely ride along a row of parked cars. f. Cross railroad tracks properly. Describe your state's traffic laws for bicycles. Compare them with motor-vehicle laws. Know the bicycle-safety guidelines. 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, routes traveled, and interesting things seen.* After fulfilling requirement 8, lay out on a road map a 50-mile trip. Stay away from main highways. Using your map, make this ride in eight hours.