Family-Friendly Cycling Routes Expand Across Born's Central Parks

Born Parks and Recreation opened 8 kilometers of new paved cycling paths on July 8 at Oakwood Park and the Born River Trail, creating continuous flat routes that avoid steep grades and busy intersections.

Active wellness programs in Born have increased demand for outdoor family activities this summer, as residents seek accessible options that fit varied fitness levels without requiring advanced equipment or prior experience.

Routes through Oakwood and the river corridor

The Oakwood Park loop begins at the Elm Street entrance and circles past the central playground and two picnic shelters before rejoining the main path near the south parking lot. The Born River Trail runs from Riverside Avenue north to the Central Bridge, with a separate 3-meter-wide lane marked for cyclists and separated from pedestrian areas by a low curb. Both segments are maintained by the Born Cycling Initiative, which also supplies free route maps at the park office on weekdays.

City usage logs recorded 450 participants in the initiative’s June 28 family ride, compared with 320 riders on the same date in May, while daily bike rentals at the Oakwood kiosk cost $12 for a full day including helmet and lock.

Starting out on the new paths

Families can enter the Oakwood loop from the Elm Street lot, where the surface remains level for the full 4.8-kilometer circuit. Beginners on the Born River Trail should start at Riverside Avenue and head north, turning around at the 2-kilometer marker before the bridge to keep the outing under an hour. Riders are advised to check the Born Parks website each morning for any temporary closures due to maintenance.

The Born Cycling Initiative offers a free beginner orientation session every Saturday at 9 a.m. through August at the Oakwood Park pavilion, limited to 30 participants per week with no advance registration required.