Bike Bakersfield is a nonprofit organization promoting active transportation in Kern County. Donations of any kind, from $5 to an old bike, are greatly accepted and not only keep out lights on, but also helps get more people on bikes whether or not they can afford it.
Since 2005, our bike shop, membership coalition, educational events, and outreach programs are designed to build a culture of bicycling for everyday transportation across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities in Kern County. An idea hatched by local cyclists around an office cooler, Bike Bakersfield was built to unify the cycling community in Kern County while addressing the financial barriers many residents face when trying to enjoy a bike ride.
Volunteers and donors of our flagship Earn-A-Bike Program refurbish and recycle hundreds of donated bikes each year to put them to good use or give them to individuals in need. Each month we lead the Full Moon Ride, which is an all ages and skill levels ride along the Kern River Parkway, sometimes with over 100 riders.
Each year we lead Bike Month events during the month of May, Walk and Bike to School Days with local schools across Kern, and Project Light Up the Night each November. Along with refurbishing and recycling bikes, we also apply for grants and sponsorships to purchase rechargeable light sets, helmets, and other tools/gear our volunteers and riders will need to ensure they are seen and safe on roadways.
Bike Bakersfield’s work is powered by our staff, board members, members and volunteers. Members provide steady financial support and act as the Bike Bakersfield’s eyes and ears in the community, helping to monitor advocacy needs and road conditions. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the organization, from working in the shop, providing office help, coordinating events and rides, to testifying at public hearings on behalf of the active transportation community. Many of our adult and high school volunteers report being able to get to school and retain a job after completing our Earn-A-Bike programs specifically because their bike is more reliable and cost-effective than traditional modes of transportation.
We provide opportunities to ride in order to create a strong sense of community among people who ride, walk, or take public transit as a primary mode of transportation, Our programs provide residents the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to be safe and accepted on the road through Smart Cycling (League of American Bicyclists), repair workshops, and hands-on learning in our volunteer Earn-A-Bike program. We teach young people and adults alike bicycle and pedestrian skills with a focus on safety and predictability.