Bakersfield is a busy city and cycling can provide a much-needed getaway for riders of all ages. That getaway shouldn’t mean that bicyclists have to always stress over travel alongside the sometimes careless drivers who use Bakersfield streets and highways.
In fact, there are several Bakersfield bike trails that give solo and packs of bikers a route to enjoy the open air with limited interaction with dangerous car traffic.
These are just a few of the best bike paths that run through and around Bakersfield.
Kern River Parkway
The newest bike trail in Bakersfield is perhaps one of the greatest in the entire country. The Kern River Parkway was completed (for now) in early 2022. Bikers have been eager to enjoy its features ever since. It’s a 36-mile path that runs from Lake Buena Vista, southwest of the city, all the way up to Lake Ming, northeast of the city.
The trail takes riders along farmland, almond orchards, canals, the Kern River, and underneath Interstate 5. And the trail features plenty of pavement to make pedaling easier for all skill levels.
You can park and jump on the trail at dozens of spots along its snake-like route. The parking lot at the intersection of Manor Street and Denise Avenue is one such gateway. You can also hop on at Enos Lane and ride the final six miles to the end at Lake Buena Vista. The trail shadows Elm Street for a bit through Bakersfield and parallels Panorama Drive for a stretch.
The Kern River Parkway Foundation offers an interactive map here to help you plan your next trip.
The Park at River Walk
This beautiful park along the Kern River offers riders a chance to pull off the Kern River Trail and take a more leisurely ride around the park’s two lakes. The 32 acres of picnic areas and trails lead around the Spectrum Amphitheater concert area and bicyclists may be encouraged to pedal to a show.
Water in the river is not always guaranteed, but there are plenty of bathrooms and water fountains to keep riders cooled off. There are even restaurants near The Park at River Walk, off the Stockdale Highway, in case bicyclists need some protein.
River Front Park and River Oaks Park
These two parks are also bordered by the Kern River Parkway and their own multi-use paths. The parks link the neighborhoods along Riverfront Drive and Peninsula Park Drive. In fact, both streets make for enjoyable bicycle rides with less busy traffic levels.
These two parks can be added on to ride at The Park at River Walk to combine for a more challenging trip for those looking to burn some calories or earn more stress relief.
Yokuts Park and Truxtun Avenue
A bike path runs along Truxtun Avenue and weaves into Yokuts Park. The park is a great place for some family cycling activities. The multi-use trails that run along the Kern River are great places to teach children how to ride. There is also a bike rack available.
For more experienced riders, the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail is just a few pedals away.
Mill Creek Park
Just west of downtown Bakersfield, Mill Creek Park and Central Park link up to form linear park areas. They provide walkers, runners, and cyclists several paths to enjoy the area’s greenery and businesses.
Mill Creek started as a canal, but now it forms a host of water features. It runs for approximately 1.5 miles and begins adjacent to Central Park near 24th Street, then heads south toward California Avenue. There are art exhibits along the way and gardens to view.
Safe and Scenic Bike Journeys in Bakersfield
There are bike rides for every skill level in Bakersfield. You can pedal nearly 40 miles across Kern County and through Bakersfield if you enjoy the long haul. You can also enjoy the fresh air along the string of beautiful city parks on the Kern River.
But to truly enjoy any ride, safety must come first. Wear a helmet to protect your head if you are in an accident. Take plenty of water with you to stay hydrated on dry and hot Bakersfield days.
Also, make sure you tell someone where your bike ride will take you in case you have an accident. Know your route and make sure you have rest spots, bathrooms, and water fountains marked on a map or in your head.
Then, get out and enjoy the amazing and scenic bike routes and trails in and around Bakersfield.
