Bike crashes on Chester Ave, Bakersfield

We don't rate streets as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 15 bike crashes were reported on Chester Ave in Bakersfield from 2021–2025, 0 of them serious or fatal. The most were at Chester Ave & Columbus St (5). 40% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 40% happened after dark.

• 40% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
• 40% happened after dark.
• 27% were hit-and-run.

1. Chester Ave & Columbus St

   5 crashes

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   3 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. 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.
   See it on the map

2. Chester Ave & Loustalot Ln

   3 crashes

   A 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.
   See it on the map

Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.

The busiest hour was 5 p.m..

Where on Chester Ave do the most bike crashes happen?

Chester Ave & Columbus St, with 5 reported bike crashes from 2021–2025. Next are Chester Ave & Loustalot Ln (3).

How do cyclists usually get hit on Chester Ave?

40% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 40% happened after dark. 27% were hit-and-run.

How many bike crashes happen on Chester Ave each year?

Reported bike crashes on Chester Ave in Bakersfield: 2021: 5, 2022: 2, 2023: 5, 2024: 2, 2025: 1. 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, counted by the street each report names first. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.