Bakersfield is rolling out new efforts to boost safety along the Kern River Trail.

The city on Wednesday launched a volunteer bike patrol with ten trained bike rangers set to watch the path and assist trail users.

Park Rangers also added four new e-bikes to respond faster to incidents.

The multi-use trail follows the path of the Kern River beginning at South Enos Lane and ending near Alfred Harrell Highway.

The bikes were funded by a $24,000 dollar grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District.

A ceremony to officially launch the new bike patrols will be held at the Park at River Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday.