Cycling Merit Badge - Resources and Ideas for Teaching
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Hotwheels cars to demonstrate knowledge of lane-positioning and right-of-way.
I use dry erase markers to set-up the scenarios: left-turn-only lane, right-turn-only lane, etc
I use dry erase markers to set-up the scenarios: left-turn-only lane, right-turn-only lane, etc
Excellent video on lane positioning and hazards:
Law Enforcement: Understanding Cyclists' Position on the Roadway on Vimeo
I play it once through, and then play most of it again, pausing to explain, clarify, or connect things (eg "this is where you would use the instant turn drill we practiced") and for the Scouts to identify and list the hazards.
Additional important hazard not covered in the video: train tracks.
Awareness test videos, for demonstrating the concept of "inattention blindness." Our brains don't process all of the visual information we receive, we fill-in alot from assumptions for processing efficiency. Therefore, it's important to ride where drivers expect to see cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB_lTKZm1Ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB_lTKZm1Ts
Invisible bike at night:
Blind spots:
Wanted: video or image to show why sidewalk riding is so dangerous
- inattention blindness is already covered well by previous videos (drivers don't expect fast-moving vehicles on sidewalks)
- line of sight blocked by trees/bushes, signs, buildings, parked cars
- field-of-view is wider in the distance; drivers get less reaction time when you're closer to them
Parking lot Skills Drills. Set-up cones 120 feet (12 parking space widths) length by 20 feet (two parking space widths) across. Scouts ride around the outside of the cones.
Scanning: hold up one, zero, or two arms. Scouts scan behind them and call-out how many arms they see.
For Requirement 4 (Bike Adjustment and Maintenance) choose a location with multiple bike stands, such as a Bike Co-op or Bike Kitchen. Members of local bike organizations may have a bike shop in their garage they'd offer. Bike stores are an option, but they'll charge money.
Recommended ratio: one mechanic per every two Scouts. The mechanics go completely over each bike with the Scout and their buddy. Troop parents can act as mechanics, but include at least some professionals, as home mechanics won't be familiar with every bike-type the Scouts bring.
Scanning: hold up one, zero, or two arms. Scouts scan behind them and call-out how many arms they see.
Scan Signal Scan Merge dance Learning the "Scan Signal, Scan Merge" dance, for what to do before changing lanes or turning
Scouts scanning and signaling "Scan Signal, Scan Merge" [turn] in practice. Practice both clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Braking Drills:
"Which hand controls your rear brake? Hold up the hand that controls your rear brake"
Scouts practice stopping with rear brake on the course.
Scouts practice stopping with both brakes ~ equally, on course.
Have Scouts squeeze front brake and push bike forward (until they have lifted their rear wheel off the ground.) Discuss.
Scouts practice transferring their weight over their rear wheel, on the course.
Scouts practice braking, both brakes with weight transfer, on the course.
"Which hand controls your rear brake? Hold up the hand that controls your rear brake"
Scouts practice stopping with rear brake on the course.
Scouts practice stopping with both brakes ~ equally, on course.
Have Scouts squeeze front brake and push bike forward (until they have lifted their rear wheel off the ground.) Discuss.
Scouts practice transferring their weight over their rear wheel, on the course.
Scouts practice braking, both brakes with weight transfer, on the course.
Use sponges for rock dodge drill.
Instant turn drill:
For Requirement 4 (Bike Adjustment and Maintenance) choose a location with multiple bike stands, such as a Bike Co-op or Bike Kitchen. Members of local bike organizations may have a bike shop in their garage they'd offer. Bike stores are an option, but they'll charge money.
Recommended ratio: one mechanic per every two Scouts. The mechanics go completely over each bike with the Scout and their buddy. Troop parents can act as mechanics, but include at least some professionals, as home mechanics won't be familiar with every bike-type the Scouts bring.
League of American Bicyclists upcoming League Cycling Instructor seminars. Not required, but excellent training for Cycling Merit Badge Counselors
https://bikeleague.org/ridesmart/become-instructor/seminar-schedule/
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