Cycle the Course

Skill: Balance, Cycle, Walk
Time Required: 30
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Individual, Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs, 13+ yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Ensure participants are wearing a helmet at all times.
Make sure the brakes work, the tires have enough air in them, the height of the seat is appropriate for the participants and the bottom of their pants are not baggy.
Equipment: Bicycle
Pylons
Chalk
Stop Sign (leaders could make this sign, print the sign out, or use chalk and draw it on the ground)
Signs/Paper with traffic light colours on each one (green, yellow and red)
Objective:
Participants practice the basics of cycling and learn some rules of the road while cycling.
Other Skills:
Coordination
Set up:
Please see the attached document for an example of the set up.
Set up a row of 4-6 pylons that are around 5 feet apart from each other.
Place a stop sign (drawn on the pavement with chalk or a made stop sign) around 20 feet to the side of the last pylon.
Diagonally from the stop sign, place two rows of pylons parallel to each other and around 20-30 inches apart.
In front of those pylons, have a leader standing in an area holding different coloured signs to represent a traffic light (one red, one yellow and one green).
Step by Step:
1. Participants will ride their bicycle through this course (please see the attached document for an example of the set up of the course).
2. If there is chalk available, draw the path of the course for the participants to follow.
3. Walk Through: Before participants ride through the course, have participants walk their bike through it and do the proper movements and actions.
4. Participants will start behind the pylons that are set up in a row. They will walk their bike around the pylons weaving in and out.
5. They will walk their bike over the stop sign, and stop their bike (using their brakes). They will look both ways before starting again.
6. They will then turn their bike towards the path of pylons.
7. They will walk their bike through the path and go to the traffic lights ahead (signs a leader will be holding).
8. If it is green, they will continue to walk at the same speed, if it's yellow then they will begin to slow down and if it's red they will stop at the stop line (which can be drawn on with chalk or put two pylons on the side to mark it off).
9. Riding Through: Participants can now ride their bike through the course. They will go along the same course but will be riding their bike.
10. They will weave around the pylons, stop at the stop sign, ride their bike along the path and pay attention to the traffic light so they know how to proceed.
11. Turtle Riding: While participants are riding around the row of pylons and through the path, tell them to ride as slow as they can. This will teach and enhance their balance and coordination while riding a bike.
Variations:
Instead of using pylons, draw the obstacles and paths in chalk on the ground.
Instead of traffic lights, place two pylons close together to make gates. Place multiple gates in a row or put them in different locations and participants have to ride through each gate.
Only do Turtle Riding and don't add the other elements to the course.
Add or substitute some activities in the course with other activities and tasks.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.
Attachments: Download