Cubs Cyclist badge, what to cover

[BrumJim]

7. Brakes. Simple adjustments for wear, and being able to know when they need some further attention, e.g. changing blocks, adjusting cable.

 

[Arch]

what I'm wanting to know is, should I be talking to them about 'the door zone' when passing parked cars, taking the lane, things like that?

Certainly the doorzone bit. Taking the lane, maybe, that can require a certain level of confidence, which a child might struggle to exude (if if they actually have it fine). Not having children, I don't know how early that sort of thing can be passed on - and it probably varies from child to child.

I think my priority would be on looking behind and glancing back frequently, especially coming up to pinch points - so they need to understand what a pinch point is.

You could take them to a piece of road, perhaps a junction, and get them to write down all the things they need to look for, or that might be a hazard - a bit like the advanced driving technique of a running commentary. The junction itself, pedestrians crossing, parked cars, a bus stop etc. Or that bit can even be done with photos - google street view will give you a choice from the whole country!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I would like to see either an ABC (Air, Brakes Chain) or M Check in there somewhere.

 

[Black Sheep]

Certainly the doorzone bit. Taking the lane, maybe, that can require a certain level of confidence, which a child might struggle to exude (if if they actually have it fine). Not having children, I don't know how early that sort of thing can be passed on - and it probably varies from child to child.

I think my priority would be on looking behind and glancing back frequently, especially coming up to pinch points - so they need to understand what a pinch point is.

You could take them to a piece of road, perhaps a junction, and get them to write down all the things they need to look for, or that might be a hazard - a bit like the advanced driving technique of a running commentary. The junction itself, pedestrians crossing, parked cars, a bus stop etc. Or that bit can even be done with photos - google street view will give you a choice from the whole country!

Thank you Arch, that's the kind of thing I'm after

there is a busy junction near the church hall we meet in that I'll take them to and they can point out dangers and hazards.

 

[Arch]

Thank you Arch, that's the kind of thing I'm after

there is a busy junction near the church hall we meet in that I'll take them to and they can point out dangers and hazards.

Glad that helps. I remember back in the days when we got the Telegraph at home, the motoring section on a Saturday used to have a column by an advanced driving instructor, or ex copper, with a photo, and you had to spot as many relevant issues as you could. Some of it was really subtle - I remember in one pic of a country road, they pointed out that from the shadows of trees and signposts, you could see that when you turned the bend up ahead, the sun would be low and in your eyes.

It would probably be good to scope out the junction beforehand for 'fixed' hazards for them to spot, and then give extra kudos for anything temporary - weather, loose children, debris in the road etc.

 

[Arch]

Oh, and one more thing. You could ask them "So, what can you do to keep yourself safe in such and such a situation", and expect stuff like looking behind, road position, indication etc. Then point out that cyclists always have an ultimate option if things look hairy up ahead - get off and walk! There's no shame in a little discretion, and taking advantage of stuff like pedestrian crossings, especially in an unfamiliar place, if you do it responsibly.

 

[Black Sheep]

it's a junction I used to ride through every day to and from work, complete with going from two lanes into one, past a bus stop and a park.

I think just getting them to think about dangers should be a good addition to the requirements.

 

[Arch]

it's a junction I used to ride through every day to and from work, complete with going from two lanes into one, past a bus stop and a park.

I think just getting them to think about dangers should be a good addition to the requirements.

Sounds ideal.

And of course, things they learn now will stand them in good stead for not only cycling, but walking and in the future, driving well!

 

[Fnaar]

You could teach them how to skid, or do wheelies

 

[Angelfishsolo]

You could teach them how to skid, or do wheelies

No more drugs for that man! (Name the film.)

 

[Black Sheep]

there's quite a long driveway at the church hall we meet in, I might (in order to get all the stuff I need that week) take my car, sit one of them in the drivers seat and have the other ride past so that they can see what the view is like in mirrors for being able to see cyclists...

good idea or not?

 

[Arch]

there's quite a long driveway at the church hall we meet in, I might (in order to get all the stuff I need that week) take my car, sit one of them in the drivers seat and have the other ride past so that they can see what the view is like in mirrors for being able to see cyclists...

good idea or not?

Excellent idea - a smaller version of the HGV demo I sat in a couple of weeks back. A good way to introduce blind spots and so on.

Just remember to take a cushion for the 'driver'.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

You could teach them how to skid, or do wheelies

As I said already, teach the more advanced ones (i.e. the kids who won't crash) to ride with no hands - not only will this instill self confidence, but it will help with their balancing skills too!

Win win!

there's quite a long driveway at the church hall we meet in, I might (in order to get all the stuff I need that week) take my car, sit one of them in the drivers seat and have the other ride past so that they can see what the view is like in mirrors for being able to see cyclists...
good idea or not?

Excellent idea -
Just remember to take a cushion for the 'driver'.

Yes I was about to say, you would need to make sure that they could actually see out.

 

[Black Sheep]

They're the older ones so are a bit taller, but a cushion would be good

thanks

 

[Arch]

Obviously, there's a limit to how much you can cover without overloading the lads, but while you're doing the bit with the car, it wouldn't hurt to outline (or have them work out) what makes a good driver (with emphasis on being around cyclists). Basically boils down to paying attention, looking ahead (so the same as for cycling), being patient, and giving vulnerable road users enough space. A few words from someone respected, at an early age, can stay with someone.