Bike Games to Play

Slow Mo

• Hold a race where the slowest one to the finish line wins. Remind players they must keep their feet on the pedals at all times to avoid disqualification. Learn better balance and riding skill. The game is also a chance to reward unusual talents and have a little silly fun.

  This game requires at least two riders or a single rider may try to beat his or her slowest time.

Safety First

• Set several scenes where basic rules of bicycle safety are not followed properly. Identify each of the rules being broken to score points. Ideas include the proper way to signal, to use gear, to start and stop safely, to watch for traffic. Tally points to name a winner or let the winner for each round set the next safety scene.

  For older players, require that they offer a way to correct the action as part of their answer. Reinforce proper rules of the road and bicycle safety. This activity may be for a single rider and adult or a group of children.

Obstacle Course

• Lay out an obstacle course for bike riders. Features may include bumps, cones, a narrow passage or water. The goal can be to finish first or to finish cleanly. Make the game more difficult by enforcing proper stop and start safety procedures, such as looking left, right, and left again.

  Practice basic navigation skills, balance, turning and stopping. Combine the enjoyment of an activity with the development of improved coordination. This game is for a single rider or a group of children.

Scavenger Hunt

• Take a long bike hike and collect photos of places you have been and specific things you saw along the way.

  First, chart a course that fits the number of children, age and skill level of your group. Prepare a list of possible items you can collect (photograph) along the way. Vary the items so that some are easy to find, some moderate, and a few very difficult. For example, a list in a small town or park may include a blue car (easy), a red flower (moderate), and a butterfly (difficult).

  Split the family or group into two parties for a competition. A single rider may also complete the course and try to beat a specific time or participate for the thrill of collecting all items and completing the list.

Last Out

• Start with everyone on their bikes and moving. Give a start signal to begin the competition. Attempt to be the last rider in the group to put a foot down onto the pavement.

  Set safety rules before you begin to prevent any injury and to eliminate using foul play to cause a rider to go out. This is a group activity, but again, a single rider could play against his or her own best time.