Last week I kicked off the ABCs of the Santa Clarita Valley with “A is for Animals,” featuring details on various places in the SCV to see animals. This week I continue the series with “B is for Bike Trails.”

The extensive trails and paseos in Santa Clarita are one of my favorite aspects of the community, with more than 70 miles of trails and 20 miles of paseos. I enjoy strolling with friends on the trails, going for a run and bicycling.

When I lived in Newhall, I used to cycle to work, usually two or three times each week, using the trails. It was actually quicker than driving, since I did not have to stop for traffic lights.

Another great feature is that many of the trails are near or connected to parks, making them great for family bike rides or enjoyable walks before or after the kids play at the park.

One of my favorite trails connects at Valencia Heritage Park – which is also one of my favorite parks. The San Francisquito trail also offers access to Bridgeport Park and Northbridge Park, as well. Another favorite trail is the South Fork Trail, and for those in Canyon Country, or who utilize the commuter rail at the Santa Clarita Station, the Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail Trail (also called the Santa Clara River Trail) is a very useful trail that I used to use for runs when I lived in Canyon Country.

Photo: BikeSantaClarita.com

There is a high likelihood for most Santa Clarita residents that you live near a trail, so I encourage you this weekend – or maybe when it gets a bit warmer again – to get out and use that trail, explore it or another trail in town and see what you find. Skip the gym and enjoy a nice bike ride or jog outside and really utilize the 70 miles of trails Santa Clarita has to offer – but don’t try to tackle all 70 miles at once. You might discover a new way to get to a shopping center, or even to your work place, and decide to start bicycling to work one day a week – or set a goal of cycling to work on Bike to Work Day in May. You might  just be inspired to have a new, free family activity for your weekends – which could be exploring a different trail or part of a trail each week.

I am looking forward to the time when my sons are old enough for us to enjoy family bike rides along the many trails in Santa Clarita. For now, I will keep enjoying them on strolls or jogs with friends or short walks with the boys from one of our favorite parks.

I hope you join me next week for the continuation of the ABCs of the Santa Clarita Valley. If you have a suggestion for a letter or a favorite thing about Santa Clarita you think I should highlight, please find me on Facebook at The Good Long Road and drop me a note or message. I would love your input.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.