On a Roll

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

On a Roll is about having fun on your bike and staying safe. You'll learn what gear to wear, the rules of the road for kids, and then go for a ride. Safe riders have the most fun.

Why it's worth it

Riding a bike feels like flying. On a Roll helps you do it safely. You'll learn what gear protects you, the rules that keep riders safe around people and cars, and then you'll go for a ride with your grown-up. Safe riding habits you learn now will help you on every bike trail, park path, and family ride for years.

Start this week

Find your helmet and try it on with your adult to see if it fits snugly.
Check your bike together: are the tires full of air and do the brakes work?
Pick a safe place to ride, like a park path, an empty parking lot, or a quiet driveway.

Stay safe

Wear a properly fitted helmet every ride: snug, level, and buckled with the straps forming a V under each ear.
Lions ride with an adult watching, away from traffic.

Requirements · 3

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
With your den or adult partner, learn what safety gear to wear when riding a bike
Tip: Try on a helmet with your adult and check that it fits snugly. Talk about other gear like closed-toe shoes.
For example: Safety gear includes a helmet that sits level on your forehead, closed-toe shoes, and bright clothes so people can see you. Some riders add knee and elbow pads while they learn.
Requirement 2
With your den or adult partner, learn the safety rules for riding a bike
Tip: Learn a few simple rules with your adult, like riding where a grown-up says and watching for cars.
For example: Rules can be: always wear a helmet, ride where your adult says, stop and look before crossing paths or driveways, and keep both hands on the handlebars.
Requirement 3
With your adult partner or family, ride a bike wearing the right safety gear and following the safety rules
Tip: Ride in a safe place like a park path or empty lot, with your helmet on and your adult watching.
For example: Buckle your helmet, put on sneakers, and ride laps around a park loop while your adult watches. Practice stopping with your brakes and riding in a straight line.

Talk about it together

Why do you think helmets are so important?
What is the hardest part of riding a bike for you right now?
Where is your favorite place to ride, and why?
What bike skill do you want to learn next?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Hold a bike day in a closed parking lot so Lions can ride safely with their adults.
Ask a parent who rides often to show helmet fitting.

People & places that can help

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab) — Bike safety and helmet tips for kids.
Local bike shop — Can help check helmet and bike fit.
Local police department — Some host bike safety events for kids.
On a Roll adventure page (opens in a new tab) — Den activities for bike gear, rules, and a ride.
Safe Kids Worldwide (opens in a new tab) — How to fit a helmet and keep young riders safe.
KidsHealth (opens in a new tab) — Kid-friendly bike safety tips from Nemours.

Lion, Rank · 7 requirements

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.