Requirements January 1969 until June 1972

1. Clean and properly adjust a bicycle, preparing it for inspection according to the checklist in the merit badge pamphlet (or one obtained from your counselor). Be sure the bicycle conforms with your local laws for bicycles.

2. Submit your bicycle to your counselor for inspection, pointing out the adjustments or repairs you have made, and do the following:

(a) Indicate all points that need lubricating regularly.

(b) Indicate points that should be inspected regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride.

(c) Show how to adjust chain tension, brakes, seat level and height, steering post.

3. Describe safe braking techniques for foot brakes and for hand brakes.

4. Using an old bicycle tire, show how to repair a puncture.

5. Demonstrate the following techniques for safe and efficient riding:

(a) Proper mounting, pedaling, braking (include emergency stops using both feet for foot brakes or with front and rear hand brakes).

(b) Ride a straight line. Be able to ride at least 100 feet between straight, parallel lines 6 inches apart, 4 our of 5 times.

(c) Show proper curbside and road edge riding; to watch for rear, side, and oncoming traffic.

(d) Maneuvering. Ride an obstacle course to the satisfaction of your counselor, changing from very slow to reasonably higher speed. Do a complete turn in a 15-foot road or driveway.

(e) Hand signals.

6. Describe local traffic regulations for bicycles, comparing them with motor-vehicle regulations. Know bicycle safety code.

7. Avoiding insofar as possible heavily traveled highways, ride 25 consecutive miles on each of 2 days each month for a period of 3 months; in other words, six rides of 25 miles each during the 3 months. You must submit to the merit badge counselor a report of the rides taken, including date, routes traveled, and interesting things observed.*

8. After the 3-month conditioning period in Requirement 7, lay out on a road map a 50-mile route, avoiding heavily traveled highways insofar as possible. Using your map, ride this route in an 8-hour period.

* Bicycle must be equipped with all necessary safety features and be registered as required by your State and local traffic laws.