Bicycle Friendly Communities

Redding, CA | Bronze Level

Recent bicycling investment: The Cypress Bridge replacement was the largest investment by the city benefiting bicyclists in 2011. The new bridge includes 6 foot bike lanes in both directions. The old bridge was signed to require bicyclists to dismount and walk their bicycle on substandard sidewalks. Redding continued to improve connectivity to the new Dana to Downtown project, a state highway project that added bicycle access across the river and under Interstate 5 for the first time.

Bicycling highlights: Redding is renowned for its world class trails system. Bicyclists can ride on paved multiuse trails from the beautiful Sundial Bridge in central Redding about 18 miles along the Sacramento River to Shasta Dam. This route utilizes the Sacramento River Trail and Rail Trail, both designated National Recreation Trails. Increasingly the trails system is being tied into the transportation system for increased connectivity, safety and convenience for bicyclists. For those who prefer singletrack there are trails within city limits and expanding dirt trail systems just on the outskirts of town (many of which can be reached from Redding neighborhoods without hitting the road). There are 226 miles of trails within 10 miles of Central Redding.
Nature makes Redding a great place to ride. The community enjoys natural beauty, mountain views in three directions, the Sacramento river, and more days of sunshine a year than most of the country.
Redding has drastically improved infrastructure for bicycle transportation in a short amount of time. Bisected by a river and major freeway, three large bridge projects in recent years have greatly increased connectivity.

Percentage of arterial streets with dedicated bicycle facilities: 75%

Bicycling education in 80% elementary schools and 50% middle schools

Signature cycling events: Shasta Wheelmen's Jamboree Century, Shasta Lamurian Classic Mt. Bike race, Whiskeytown Duathlon, Blazing Saddles Mt Bike Race Series, Ride On Race Series (cyclocross races at a different locations each week), and the 2011 cyclovia.

Some coming bicycling improvements: Bicycle lanes and improved pedestrian features will be added to Parkview Avenue when the street goes from 4 motor vehicle lanes to 2 (plus a turn lane) in 2012, greatly improving safety near the Redding Library. The Placer project will add 1.75 miles of bicycle lanes in each direction on this major arterial. Bicycle lanes will also be added to Buenaventura Blvd, closing a gap between two multiuse trails. Caltrans has alloted $800,000 for a paved multiuse extension of the Sacaremento River Trail, which will connect the California Shasta Historical Park and unincorporated community of Old Shasta to Redding by paved trail, benefitting commuters and recreational riders alike.