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Can anyone recommend any safe bike trails - within parks areas or whatever?

We just bought a bike trailer, and have been having fun towing the kids around our neighbourhood - we would love to take off for family bike rides somewhere though, and get some decent exercise.

I would appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks.

Wow! Thanks for all this information - I will look into these.

Thanks again

Since I live in Bartow, this one is most convenient but I think worth finding if you live elsewhere in the county. I think it could be one of the ones American was explaining.

On 98 from Bartow to Lakeland or vice versa there is a long several miles well maintained bike/ walking trail. There are oaks and pretty scenery with cow pastures along the way closer to Bartow. Ryan and Lilly really like to see the cows and they of course moo at them. Parts of the trail really give you that old Florida feel. Hubby and I go at least once a month here of late. I would recommend it.

What is neat, part of where the trail ends (or begins) in Bartow there is a coffee shop very near there. They do smoothies also. You can plan that as a family oasis before or after your ride.

You can either start Bartow side behind or beside staples (across from Lowes) there are 2 openings or you can start South Lakeland side. I am not sure where parking is for that, but there is parking in Highland City. You should be able to see it if you are on HWY 98.

Happy trails!

American - it's a trailer for the kids to ride in that we bought - we got it at Target on sale for $69 - they usually run $100 - $150, the ones I've seen.

We have yet to get the rack for the back of my car - although my husband has seen these for $50. He has a Ford Ranger so until we get a rack we'll throw all in the back of his little truck and he can follow us to wherever we may go

i have also used the bartow bike trail that runs along route 98. my family loves it. it is very well maintained and they have security that rides in a golf cart all day long. i believe only when the sun is shining for now.
also in march 16th's lakeland ledger there was a guild to polk in it and that guide has all about polk county in it. or look at www.guildtopolk.com
it talkes about there parks and other stuff

The coffee shop offers many things for refreshments, snacks and drinks. They do have seating inside.