Bring back merit badges

It seems that not a week go's bye in the local cycling scene that you don't hear about someone getting scolded for there cycling skills.

You need a licence to drive a car. you need a licence to catch a fish. but last time I checked anybody can buy a bike at cyclery USA and head on down to crit.

Got me thinking about my days in the Boy Scouts. Yep Chopper was a Boy Scout. So I checked the requirement for obtaining a Cycling merit badge. I have listed some of the basic requirements. JT has offered to help out on Sundays and sign off on the necessary skills. Then next time you get yelled at , just point to your badge.

Cycling Merit Badge requirements: are you up to date with your skills ?

Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while cycling, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, insect stings, tick bites, snakebites, blisters, and hyperventilation.

Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws.

Show your bicycle to JT for inspection. Point out the adjustments or repairs you have made. Do the following:
Show all points that need oiling regularly.
Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride.
Show how to adjust brakes, seat level and height, and steering tube.
Describe how to brake safely with foot brakes and with hand brakes.
Show how to repair a flat. Use an old bicycle tire.

Take a road test with JT and demonstrate the following:
Properly mount, pedal, and brake including emergency stops.
On an urban street with light traffic, properly execute a left turn from the center of the street; also demonstrate an alternate left turn technique used during periods of heavy traffic.
Properly execute a right turn.
Demonstrate appropriate actions at a right-turn-only lane when you are continuing straight.
Show proper curbside and road-edge riding. Show how to safely ride along a row of parked cars.
Cross railroad tracks properly.

Describe your state’s traffic laws for bicycles. Compare them with motor-vehicle laws. Know the bicycle-safety guidelines.
Avoiding main highways, take two rides of 10 miles each, two rides of 15 miles each, and two rides of 25 miles each. You must make a report of the rides taken. List dates, routes traveled, and interesting things seen.
The bicycle must have all required safety features. It must be registered as required by your local traffic laws.

After fulfilling all the requirements , take JT on a 50-mile trip. Stay away from main highways. Using your map, make this ride in eight hours and somehow manage to not have him yell at you.