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Pedal Away

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Pedal Away is about getting ready for a longer bike ride. You'll learn how bike gears work, care for your bike, and plan a route. Then you'll ride 5 miles with your buddy.

Why it's worth it

A bike can take you farther than your feet in the same time, and five miles is a real trip. You'll learn how gears make hills easier, how to care for your chain, and how to plan a route that's safe and fun. Riders who know these things can go on longer family rides and, later, bike trips with a troop.

Start this week

  1. Check your bike with your adult: do the brakes work, are the tires full, and does your helmet fit snugly?
  2. Count how many gears your bike has and try shifting on a small hill.
  3. Look at a map with your adult and find a bike path or quiet streets near you.

Stay safe

  • Wear a helmet every ride, ride with a buddy and an adult, follow traffic rules, and stay on paths or quiet streets.

Requirements · 6

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

  1. Requirement 1

    Decide what gear and supplies to bring on a long bike ride

    Tip: Make a list: helmet, water, snack, small repair kit. Decide if a backpack or bike bag works best.

    For example: For a 5-mile ride, bring a helmet, water bottle, a snack, a small pump or patch kit, sunscreen, and a light jacket. A bottle cage and a small seat bag or backpack keep your hands free.

  2. Requirement 2

    Find out how multi-gear bikes work and how they help a rider

    Tip: Ride a multi-gear bike and try shifting on a hill. Notice how low gears make climbing easier.

    For example: Low gears make pedaling easy but slow, which helps going uphill. High gears are harder to push but go faster on flat ground. Shift before the hill gets steep, not halfway up.

  3. Requirement 3

    Practice oiling a bike chain

    Tip: With an adult, wipe the chain clean, add a drop of oil to each link, and wipe off the extra.

  4. Requirement 4

    Pick the bike lock you'll use; show locking and unlocking it, how it keeps your bike secure, and how you carry it while riding

    Tip: Practice locking your bike to a rack through the frame and wheel. Find a way to carry the lock.

    For example: A U-lock is strong and hard to cut; a cable lock is lighter. Lock your frame and front wheel to a bike rack, not just the wheel. Carry the lock in a holder on the frame or in a backpack.

  5. Requirement 5

    With your den, pack, or family, use a map to plan a bike ride of at least 5 miles

    Tip: Use a map or app with an adult to plan a safe 5-mile loop on quiet roads or a bike path.

    For example: Plan a loop on a bike path or quiet streets that adds up to at least 5 miles. Mark where you'll take a water break and where the bathrooms are, and avoid busy roads and big intersections.

  6. Requirement 6

    With your den, pack, or family, ride at least 5 miles using the buddy system

    Tip: Wear your helmet, ride with a buddy and an adult, and follow traffic rules.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • A bike shop or community bike repair program

    Mechanics can show how gears and chains work and check that your bike fits you.

    How: Have your adult call on a weekday and ask if a mechanic can do a short demo for your den, or check for free kids' bike safety events.

Talk about it together

  • What did you learn about gears that surprised you?
  • How did you and your buddy keep track of each other on the ride?
  • What was the hardest part of the 5 miles, and how did you keep going?
  • Where would you like to ride next?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Do a bike and helmet check before the ride and choose a bike trail away from traffic.
  • Ask a local bike shop to show scouts basic maintenance.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

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