BASIC RIDING SKILLS - 1

Summary

During your training for Cycling merit badge, you will master many riding skills that will help to ensure your safety while riding on the road, including:

• Riding in a straight line

• Looking back while riding

• Signaling correctly to motorists and fellow cyclists

• Correct braking techniques for all conditions

• Dealing with and avoiding hazards such as dogs, obstacles in the road, railroad tracks, opening parked car doors, wet roads, ice, etc.

• Avoiding car-bicycle accidents

• Riding defensively

• Dealing with multi-lane roads and intersections

• Using the required or recommended safety equipment, including helmet, cycling gloves, and if riding near or after dark, appropriate lighting.

• In New Jersey (and in most other states), cyclists are subject to the same rules of the road as motorists - stop at stop signs and traffic lights, signal turns, etc. A cyclist who breaks one of the NJ Motor Vehicle laws can be ticketed - and the ticket will show up on your driving record - just like a motor vehicle operator.

We strongly suggest you read the detailed section that follows to familiarize yourself with what is involved in mastering these important skills.

NOTE: Cycling helmets must be ATSM and/or CPSC certified. Helmets are required for all riders on BSA-sponsored rides. Cyclists who come to a ride without a helmet will NOT be permitted to ride. No exceptions! Please remember to wear your helmet to every ride!

Riding in a Straight Line

This is an important and basic skill. Although many racers think they can perform this skill easily, most are surprised at the level of skill required to ride in the back (inside) line of a velodrome at 30 miles per hour.

TIP: Always look where you want your bicycle to go. Do not look directly down at the road in front of the front wheel, but rather look 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. This will not only help you ride in a straight line, but it will also give you adequate time to safely react to any obstacles ahead of you on the road.

Looking Back While Riding

Looking back is important when riding in traffic to check on cars and, when riding in a group, to check on other riders and to safely move to the left or right. Beginning riders may have difficulty riding in a straight line, maintaining pace, and looking back all at the same time.

Looking Over Your Shoulder

Beginners tend to veer to the left when they look over their left shoulder, because the tendency is to redistribute weight to the turned side or to turn the upper body and, consequently, the handlebars.

• Before looking back, always make sure the road directly ahead of you is clear of cars or other obstacles.

• When looking over the left shoulder, relax the handlebar grip with the left arm or drop the left shoulder.

• Sliding your rear end slightly to the right side helps keep the weight centered over the bicycle.

• Riding with a partner one or two bike lengths behind and slightly to the left of you gives you a focus target.

• The following rider can give feedback about maintaining a straight line and speed.

• At first, just glance back.

• Build up to looking back for several seconds.

• Repeat looking back over the right shoulder.

• Maintain speed.

• Practice looking back using a hand placed on a rider beside you. This helps you maintain a straight line.

Looking Under Your Arm

Looking back under the shoulder when riding allows a rider to maintain an aerodynamic position riding in the drops. Practice looking under a shoulder alone or with a partner behind you to provide a focus target.

Signaling to Motorists

Signal a left turn with an outstretched left arm. Signal a right turn with an outstretched right arm. A stop can be signaled with a downward left arm with palm backward, although it is often safer to have both hands on the handlebar when stopping.

Left and Right Turn Slowing or Stopping

Don't be shy about shouting loudly, and of course, politely, to motorists. For example, if you think a motorist is about to pull out in front of you and hasn't seen you, a loud "Watch out!" can be heard even with car windows closed.

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