Cycling OAS 1-3

Cycling is one of the more accessible Outdoor Adventure Skills. Section Leaders can supervise basic cycling activities with minimal training. The Scout Cycling Team has a range of resources to help youth to progress through OAS and leaders to deliver basic cycling activities.

Learning to Ride

This is an activity that requires 1:1 supervision at the beginning and is usually an expected skill prior to commencing OAS 1.

A good way to progress for young kids is:

• Learn to steer and pedal on a trike
• Learn to balance on a Balance or Running Bike
• Bring them together on a pedal bike

We avoid training wheels with this approach, but each person is different in their learning journey.

Some guidance on learning to ride can be found here.

Essential Equipment

Bikes:

There are lots of options available!  

Bikes need to have working brakes.  For trail riding and on-road activities, the bike should have front and back reflectors (or working lights), wheel reflectors and a bell.

Many bikes have back pedal brakes, but we like them to hand brakes for activities.  BMX Bikes are not suitable for long rides, Mountain Bikes can be used for trail rides, but road bikes and hybrids are not suitable for Mountain Bike activities.

Otherwise, the most important thing is that everything works and that they fit the rider. 

All riders should be able to complete an ABCDEQ Bike Check (details below in resources).

Helmet:

Helmets need to be designed for Cycling and have an Australian standards sticker attached. Helmets need to be in good condition, with no damage. Helmets need to fit correctly (details below in resources).

Gloves and Eye Protection:

We recommend riders wear gloves and eye protection during Scout cycling activities.  They are essential equipment when mountain biking.

Clothing:

When you’re starting out, you don’t need a full, aerodynamic Lycra kit! We recommend riders wear comfortable athletic wear suitable to the prevailing weather. For longer rides, Cycling Shorts are fantastic as they prevent chafing.

Repair Kits:

The bare minimum that should be taken is a puncture repair kit, pump and spanner to remove your wheel (if required). For longer activities, more is required. 

• Pre-ride checks (ABCDQ bike check and helmet checks)
• Clothing and Equipment for Cycling activities
• Repair kits, tools and maintenance for Cycling activities

Basic Cycling Activities

Section Leaders can run basic cycling activities without further training or qualification as per the What Can I Do document.

A Basic Cycling Activity is:

• Of a short duration – no longer than a couple of hours
• Not on roads or single-track MTB trails
• Not on BMX Tracks, Pump Tracks or Skate Parks
• During daylight hours or in very well-lit (daylight equivalent) areas.

Basic Cycling activities can be run within a Scout Hall, public parks and bike trail networks.

There are resources to assist in running Basic Cycling Activities within the Program Resources page.

Where to Ride:

Melbourne and Country Victoria have a huge bike path network.  Bike activities can happen inside scout halls, in parks, on trails, anywhere!

Routes and paths can be found using the following online resources:

• Google Maps using the cycling filter
• Rail Trails Australia: https://www.railtrails.org.au/
• Melbourne Bike paths https://melbournebiketrails.yolasite.com/
• Local Bike Shops

State Cycling Team Activities

The Scout Cycling Team runs several cycling events that are open for youth members to participate throughout the year, such as:

Come and Try Cycling (OAS 1-3):

The Scout Cycling Team beginner offering. The focus of the two hours is on getting a taste of cycling and introduce basic concepts and skills. Participants need to be comfortable with general bike riding. Best suited to Cubs any youth still developing basic skills. Group bookings are available for Come & Try Cycling events. Each session can have up to 14 participants. To make a group booking email booking,cycling@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Jamboree on Pedals

Held in March each year, Jamboree on Pedals (JOP) encourages Scout Groups and Sections to get riding. Plan your cycling event for March, register your event and order the Jamboree on Pedals badge for your participants.

For more information on JOP click here.