Bicycling
Bike types, road rules, and the basic upkeep that keeps a bike safe to ride.
Bike types
Balance bike
No pedals, no drivetrain: just a frame and wheels, built to teach steering and balance before pedaling.
Single-speed / coaster-brake bike
The classic first pedal bike: one gear, back-pedal to brake, simple and low-maintenance.
Multi-speed kids' bike
Hand brakes and a few gears, a step up once a scout has the hand strength and coordination for them.
Mountain bike
Wider, knobby tires and a sturdier frame for trails, dirt, and rougher ground.
BMX bike
Small, tough frame built for tricks, jumps, and a skate-park-style riding style.
Electric bike (e-bike)
A motor assists your pedaling. Check the local age and helmet rules before a scout rides one, they vary by state.
Electric scooter
Stand-up, motor-powered scooter. Same helmet and road-rules mindset as a bike: check local age rules before riding.
Rides & rigs
Ride safe
Every ride
- Always wear a helmet, fastened, every ride, every time.
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, single file.
- Stop and look both ways at every driveway and intersection, even on a sidewalk or trail.
- Use hand signals before turning or stopping so riders and drivers behind you know what's next.
- Walk the bike across busy intersections instead of riding through them.
- Stay visible: bright clothing in the day, lights and reflectors if riding near dusk.
- Ride single file in a group, and keep enough space to stop without hitting the rider ahead.
- Do a quick brake-and-tire check before heading out, especially before a den or pack ride.
Maintenance
ABC quick check
Air (tire pressure), Brakes (squeeze both levers, no rubbing or slop), Chain/Crank (chain oiled and not slipping): a 60-second check before every ride.
Tire pressure
Check monthly with a gauge against the PSI range printed on the tire sidewall; soft tires make pedaling harder and are more likely to pinch-flat.
Chain cleaning & lube
Wipe the chain down and re-oil it every few rides, more often if it's been wet or dusty; a dry chain wears out the drivetrain fast.
Brake pad wear
Look at the rubber brake pads periodically; worn down to the wear-line grooves means it's time to replace them.
Bolt check
Give the seat, handlebars, and wheels a wiggle test each season, a loose bolt is the most common cause of an avoidable spill.
Bikes & accessories
Bikes
Accessories
