Bike crash hotspots in Bakersfield, CA
438 bike crashes were reported in Bakersfield from 2021–2025, 44 of them serious or fatal (16 fatal). Below are the spots where they keep happening, what usually goes wrong at each one, and what to watch for.
Also: Pedestrian crash hotspots in Bakersfield (745 crashes)
How people on bikes get hit in Bakersfield
- 45% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
- 31% happened after dark.
- 18% were hit-and-run.
Where bike crashes cluster
Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.
1. Union Av & 4th St
6 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
3 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. 83% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
2. California Av & Eye St
6 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
3 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. 67% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
3. California Av & Inyo St
4 crashes · 2 serious or fatal · 1 fatalA mix of crash types
50% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Slow down, stay visible, and leave extra room.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
4. Stockdale Hwy & Joelyle St
5 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
2 of 5 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. 40% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 50 mph.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
5. Panama Ln & Colony St
9 crashesSide-impact crashes at the junction
4 of 9 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. Traffic is posted at about 50 mph. 56% were hit-and-run.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
6. Chester Av & Columbus St
6 crashes · 1 serious or fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
4 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
7. California Av & P St
3 crashes · 1 serious or fatal · 1 fatalA mix of crash types
Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Slow down, stay visible, and leave extra room.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
8. Golden State Av & Q St
3 crashes · 2 serious or fatalA mix of crash types
Traffic is posted at about 45 mph.
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Slow down, stay visible, and leave extra room.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
9. Union Av & 8th St (N)
6 crashesSide-impact crashes at the junction
3 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph. 33% were hit-and-run.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
10. White Ln & Cernan Wy
6 crashesSide-impact crashes at the junction
5 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. 50% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 55 mph.
- → Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
Bike crashes in Bakersfield by year
| Year | Crashes | Serious/fatal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62 | 7 | |
| 2022 | 78 | 7 | |
| 2023 | 76 | 7 | |
| 2024 | 104 | 11 | |
| 2025 | 118 | 12 |
Common questions about Bakersfield
- Where do the most bike crashes happen in Bakersfield?
- The worst spot is Union Av & 4th St, with 6 reported bike crashes from 2021–2025, 1 of them serious or fatal. Next are California Av & Eye St (6) and California Av & Inyo St (4).
- How many cyclists were killed in Bakersfield?
- 16 crashes killed someone in 438 reported bike crashes in Bakersfield from 2021–2025, and 44 left someone seriously hurt or killed.
- How do cyclists usually get hit in Bakersfield?
- 45% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 31% happened after dark. 18% were hit-and-run.
- How many bike crashes happen in Bakersfield each year?
- Reported bike crashes with map locations: 2021: 62, 2022: 78, 2023: 76, 2024: 104, 2025: 118. The latest year can rise as late reports come in.
- Where does this data come from?
- Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.
Nearby cities
Source: California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), 2021–2025. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, and many city police reports have none, so these numbers are lower than the real total. Busy streets show more crashes partly because more people use them. Data last rebuilt 2026-09-22. How the data works.