Urban Riding

How long it’ll take: Depending on the interest of the camper and available trails, this lesson could stretch from one hour to many hours.

What the goal is: Campers will be comfortable riding on sidewalks and in an urban environment.

What the objectives are: Campers will spend time riding in their neighborhood, on sidewalks, and possibly streets if deemed safe by YOU and Parents to do so. Campers will learn about safety and biking in an urban environment.

What you’ll need: Camper and instructors bikes & helmets, spare tubes, & a bike repair kit.

What you’ll do:

***Before riding in the neighborhood or any urban environment, talk to parents to learn more about the surrounding area and where parents feel comfortable having you take the camper riding. For example: Can you ride in the street in the neighborhood? Are there any streets you shouldn't cross? What geographical boundaries should be set? Parents should know and understand your plan for he day. YOU also have the responsibility to make good judgement calls and risk management decisions.

You can learn many of the same things riding in an urban environment as in a trail setting; etiquette, safety, bike mechanics, etc.

Pre-planning

This can be an important and valuable part of learning. If possible, plan this with your campers the day before. Be sure to discuss:

• Where are we going? What are the roads/neighborhoods like? Do we need to do any research before going? What route are we going to take?

• What is the weather forecast?

• What do we need to take with us? (water, snacks, bike repair kit, tubes, backpacks, rain gear, etc.)

• Do an ABCDE bike check together. Why is this important?

• Do a skills check (see biking basics) to gauge where campers are in their skills

• Are there any risks you could talk about now and add into your plan for the day?

  • Streets; never cross a street until you are all together. Should you walk or ride when crossing a street? Can you ride on any of the streets?

  • Cars; give cars a wide berth. Yell "CAR" to alert your riding group when you see an approaching car. How we make ourselves visible to cars?

  • How to stay together? What to do if you get separated?

Before Biking

Before heading out to bike, take 5-10 minutes to do the following. This could be longer if basic skills need further development before heading out on your trail ride.

• Review your plan one final time. Anything need to change?

• Do an environmental briefing. Be sure to review the risk management topics from yesterday.

• If bikes were transported in vehicles, do another quick ABCDE bike check. Have campers lead this one!

On your Ride:

While on your trail ride, there are a multitude of things that can be discussed and learn along the way. If possible, use teachable moments as they come up, but you can also manufacture scenarios for the purpose of learning.

• LNT discussions:

  • Ride on durable surface. What constitutes a durable surface? Where should you ride if it's muddy or raining?

  • General LNT topics like disposing of waste properly, respecting others and wildlife, etc.

• Bike Mechanics (***Only work within your scope of expertise and do not attempt to alter a campers bike without confidence in your ability)

  • Patching a tube

  • Changing a tube

  • Adjusting brakes (instructor always checks before camper rides again)

• Skill Development

  • Do lots and lots of environmental briefing along the way as you enter new environments

  • Visit the "Biking Games & Activities" section for ideas on how to build various biking skills