Kids on Bikes 2nd Edition is a collaborative storytelling roleplaying game where players take on the roles of children and teens navigating a small town filled with mystery and adventure. Players create characters with unique traits and abilities, exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and the unknown. The game emphasizes player agency, allowing for shared narrative control and creative problem-solving. With a focus on safety and inclusivity, Kids on Bikes encourages players to engage with the story while respecting each other's boundaries.

Key Points

  • Collaborative storytelling game set in a small town
  • Players create characters with unique traits and abilities
newtopiccyclegrowin
183 pages
Arts and Humanities
newtopiccyclegrowin
183 pages
Arts and Humanities
345
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vi
Kids On Bikes
The halls of the school are nearly silent. You try to keep
your
steps as small and controlled as possible. As you
grip your flashlights tightly, the only noise you hear is
the hum
of circulating heat. Instinctively, you hold your
breath as you
approach an intersection. You don’t know
if you’re alone in the building.
With your backs pressed
against the lockers
closest to the intersection, you wait,
listen. You think you hear breathing around the corner,
but maybe it’s your mind playing tricks on you. You
hope it is...
In
Kids on Bikes
, you and your friends will play everyday
people encountering strange, scary, and otherworldly
forces that you
can’t comprehend, much less overpower.
Working with—not against—the GM, you’ll collaborate to
tell your story. But in or
der to survive them, your charac
-
ters will need to work
together, use their strengths, and
know when they have to run and hide.
Note:
We’ve written the first 6
chapters of the book
with
the players in mind, so anyone planning to play would
benefit from
reading those. The later chapters,
starting
on page 75, are intended for anyone planning to
be the
GM, or “game master,” for the game. While they
won’t
spoil anything for players, they’re more than you need to
be a character in Kids on Bikes.
1
Chapter 1: Getting Ready to Ride Together
In a world of unspeakable horrors, working together is the only way forward.
In Kids on Bikes, people come together to solve terrifying mysteries and
stop the unknown from entering our world. And as players and facilitators,
we come together to tell these stories. This chapter is about setting up an
out-of-game experience that creates an incredible in-game experience. Here
you’ll find everything you need to know about playing Kids on Bikes before
you roll up a character or create the first monster.
Before You Hit the Road
The preparation we do before we even pick up our dice creates a baseline
for how we expect each other to behave and how our game will go. These
steps ensure everyone stays on the same path, has their brakes ready, and
knows where we’re racing to. Hosting a session before you jump into fully
playing the game, often called “Session Zero,” is a good way to go through
everything you need to. Think about it like checking your bikes out before a
long ride. Skip a step with your bikes and you’re liable to have a chain pop
off or realize that you forgot to bring snacks. Skip a step in Session Zero
and you might run into trouble with your group.
Some groups will run this Session Zero online before meeting up, either
with a video or audio chat or just in text. However you do it, it’s vital that
you cover everything in the checklist on the next page and answer all
questions that everyone has about the game. Doing this will give you the
tools to tell a story that’s great for everyone.
If you can’t do a Session Zero because you’re running a one shot and have
made pregenerated characters, heavily rely on your Road Signals and your
content warnings. Still go through the checklist below, as they’ll still need
all this information.
2
Session 0 Checklist
This checklist serves as a quick guide to the stages that you’ll discuss
during Session Zero. For most of the items on the list, we’ll go into more
detail about how to approach these conversations in later pages, indicated
next to each item on the checklist.
- Introductions: If you don’t already know everyone you’re playing with,
take time to introduce yourselves. Give them the name you want to be
called and your pronouns, and make sure you know the same for everyone
at the table.
- Tone: The GM will facilitate a discussion about the tone of the game.
- Content & Consent Checklist: The GM will remind everyone of the possible
content warnings for this game and will go over the results from the Pre-
Game Form so that you know what is and isn’t on the table for the group.
- Marginalized Groups & “Historical Accuracy”: Similarly, when playing in an
earlier time when many marginalized groups were even more marginalized,
it’s important to make sure that everyone is still able to have fun at the table.
The GM will make sure that your group addresses how to best handle that.
- Characters’ Ages: When playing in a game with characters who aren’t yet
adults, it’s important to keep some things in mind. The GM will make sure
you’re all on the same page about what this means for your game.
- Road Signals: You’ll go over these verbal tools and make sure everyone
knows how to use them.
- Character Romance & Intimacy: The GM will facilitate a conversation
about relationships and romance in the game. Everyone will share their
expectations for their characters.
- Town Creation: As a group, you’ll establish details about the town that
your game will take place in.
- Character Creation: Finally, you’ll create both your characters and their
relationships to each other by selecting Tropes and answering questions.
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FAQs

What is the main premise of Kids on Bikes?
Kids on Bikes centers around a group of children and teens who explore their small town, encountering supernatural elements and mysteries. The game emphasizes collaboration and player agency, allowing participants to shape the narrative together. Players create characters with distinct Tropes and abilities, which influence their interactions and the story's direction. The game encourages teamwork as players face challenges and uncover secrets, making it a unique blend of adventure and storytelling.
How does character creation work in Kids on Bikes?
Character creation in Kids on Bikes involves selecting a Trope that defines the character's personality and abilities. Players choose their character's age, strengths, and flaws, which impact gameplay. Each character has a unique bike that provides specific benefits, enhancing their abilities during the game. The process is collaborative, allowing players to establish relationships and connections with each other’s characters, enriching the narrative experience. This approach fosters creativity and engagement, making character development a central aspect of the game.
What are Adversity Tokens and how are they used?
Adversity Tokens (AT) are a key mechanic in Kids on Bikes that reward players for failing rolls or facing challenges. Players earn AT when they fail a check, which they can then use to improve future rolls or activate character strengths. This system encourages creative problem-solving, as players can leverage their AT to turn failures into opportunities for success. The tokens also add an element of strategy, allowing players to decide when to use them for maximum impact during gameplay.
What themes are explored in Kids on Bikes?
Kids on Bikes explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the challenges of growing up. The game encourages players to confront their fears and work together to overcome obstacles, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration. As characters navigate their small town, they encounter supernatural elements that challenge their understanding of reality and force them to rely on each other. These themes resonate with players, making the game a meaningful exploration of childhood and the bonds that form during adventures.
How does the Powered Character function in the game?
The Powered Character in Kids on Bikes is a unique element that players co-control during the game. This character possesses special abilities and traits that can aid the group in their adventures. Players select Aspects for the Powered Character, which define their personality and powers. The GM guides the Powered Character's actions, ensuring they contribute to the narrative while allowing players to influence their decisions. This collaborative approach enhances the storytelling experience, making the Powered Character a vital part of the group's journey.
What are some examples of character Tropes in Kids on Bikes?
Character Tropes in Kids on Bikes include roles like the Brilliant Mathlete, Daring Athlete, and Conspiracy Theorist, each with unique strengths and flaws. These Tropes help define a character's personality and abilities, influencing how they interact with the world and other characters. For example, a Brilliant Mathlete might excel in problem-solving, while a Daring Athlete could be more physically adept. This system encourages players to embody their characters fully, adding depth to the storytelling and gameplay.
What is the significance of the setting in Kids on Bikes?
The setting in Kids on Bikes is crucial as it reflects the themes of childhood exploration and adventure. Set in a small town, the environment is filled with familiar yet mysterious locations that invite players to uncover secrets and face challenges. The town's layout and landmarks serve as a backdrop for the characters' journeys, influencing their interactions and experiences. This intimate setting allows for rich storytelling, as players navigate both the physical and emotional landscapes of their characters' lives.

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