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Pedal with the Pack

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Pedal with the Pack is about riding your bike safely. You'll wear your helmet right, learn hand signals, and take a ride with your buddy. Bikes are a great way to explore and have fun.

Why it's worth it

A bike can take you farther and faster than your feet, and riding with friends is one of the best parts of being a kid. Pedal with the Pack teaches you to wear your helmet right, dress for a ride, start and stop on your own, and use hand signals so others know where you're going. Then you'll ride with your buddy and your den.

Start this week

  1. Put on your helmet in front of a mirror and check that it sits level, just above your eyebrows.
  2. Practice the left, right, and stop hand signals while standing in your yard or living room.
  3. With your adult, check your bike's tires and brakes before your next ride.
  4. If you don't have a bike that fits, ask your den leader whether one can be borrowed.

Stay safe

  • Wear a helmet every time you ride, even for a short ride in front of your home.
  • Ride with an adult on paths or quiet spots away from traffic, and stop at every street crossing.

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

    Show how to wear a bike helmet properly and that you can put it on and take it off without help

    Tip: Practice putting on your helmet so it sits level, with snug straps, and taking it off yourself.

    For example: Check your helmet: it sits about two fingers above your eyebrows, the side straps make a V under each ear, and the chin strap is snug but lets you open your mouth wide.

  2. Requirement 2

    Decide what to wear when riding a bike

    Tip: Pick bright clothes, closed-toe shoes, and nothing that could catch in the chain.

    For example: Wear bright colors so drivers can see you, closed-toe shoes so your feet stay on the pedals, and tuck in or roll up loose pant legs so they don't catch in the chain.

  3. Requirement 3

    Learn about different kinds of bikes and when and where each might be ridden

    Tip: Look at road bikes, mountain bikes, and BMX bikes. Where would you ride each one?

    For example: A road bike has thin tires for smooth pavement, a mountain bike has knobby tires for dirt trails, and a BMX bike is small and tough for tracks and jumps.

  4. Requirement 4

    Show you can start and stop your bike without help

    Tip: Practice starting and stopping smoothly in a safe, flat spot like an empty lot.

  5. Requirement 5

    Demonstrate proper bicycle hand signals

    Tip: Learn the signals for left, right, and stop. Practice them while standing first.

    For example: Left turn: stick your left arm straight out. Right turn: bend your left arm up at the elbow, or stick your right arm straight out. Stop: bend your left arm down.

  6. Requirement 6

    Take a bike ride with your den, pack, or family, using the buddy system

    Tip: Ride with your buddy on a safe path with adults along.

    For example: Ride a paved park trail with your den. Each rider has a buddy, one adult leads and another rides at the back, and everyone stops together at each crossing.

Talk about it together

  • What part of riding feels easiest, and what still feels tricky?
  • Why do you think hand signals matter, even on a bike path?
  • How did you and your buddy look out for each other?
  • Where would you like to ride next?

Good questions to ask an experienced bike rider

  • How do you check that a bike is safe before a ride?
  • What do you do when a car is coming?
  • What's the best ride you've ever been on?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Do a quick helmet and bike check before every ride.
  • Choose a paved trail or closed parking lot, away from traffic, for the group ride.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Wolf adventures

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