Peloton 128's Cycling MB Home

This site is sponsored by Crew 128, of McLean, Virginia. Check us out at WWW.CREW128.ORG.

Welcome to Crew 128's webpage for Scouts and Venturers interested in Cycling Merit Badge, bike-hikes, and bike-camping. Here you will find help with the merit badge, and unit leaders can find great routes for crew, patrol, and troop bike trips.

The Merit Badge Requirements

Cycling Merit Badge is one of the original 57 merit badges published in 1911, and like most of the original badges, it is not easy. It can satisfy one of the mandatory badges for Eagle.[NOTE] The requirements, of course, have been updated overtime and currently include:

Knowledge of first aid for common cycling injuries;
Knowledge of bicycle maintenance;
Demonstrated cycling skills; and
Seven separate cycling trips with progressively longer distances.

The latest requirements were issued in 2023, and are republished on this website. If you want to buy the merit badge book, be sure to look for the 2017 version. The 2003 version is useful, but it is not entirely up to date.

Useful Documents and Forms

Here are some other useful forms or documents to help you earn the merit badge:

Useful Links and Information for Specific Merit Badge Requirements

Requirement 1.c. - Scouts are expected to read and "know" the BSA Bike Safety Guidelines.

Requirement 2 - This requirement involves cleaning and adjusting a bike, and evaluating it against a checklist. These can help:

- - A video that teaches how to really clean a bike: https://youtu.be/B2sKhSDrugE.
  - A inspection checklist: Bike Inspection Checklist.
  - As to adjusting the bike, go to our Video Links Page and see the subjects under "maintenance."

Requirement 6 - Scouts must describe Virginia and local traffic laws for bicycles.

- - Fortunately, the Virginia Department of Transportation has a very informative website.
  - Fairfax County has a section of its website called "Bike & Walk Fairfax." Here you will find information on local regulations, plans, trails, etc.
  - Fairfax County also has a bike advocacy group. It is called Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB).

Requirement 7 - Scouts must write a brief report after each road ride (7.a.2) or mountain bike ride (7.b.3). Here is a form you can download or copy: Peloton 128 Ride Report.

Maps and Routes

This website has LOTS of ideas for your crew, patrol, or troop. Visit the the Ride Route page.

Select Videos

Go to our Video Links page for videos on safety, bike maintenance, and real accident footage. Ouch!!

What's a Peloton?

A "peloton" is that big group of bike riders you see when you watch a race like the Tour de France.