Go Healthy with Bike Routes and Trails in Southeast Springfield

Did you know that Springfield, Missouri is home to over 70 miles of on-street bike routes and 70 miles of greenway trails?

As the city expands its network of bike trails and routes, Farmers Park residents will gain even more opportunities to enjoy the health and community benefits of non-motorized transportation — in Southeast Springfield and throughout the city!

That’s great news, because a growing body of research shows that just spending more time outside is good for you in lots of ways:

• Improved short-term memory
• Restored mental energy
• Stress relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Better vision
• Improved concentration
• Sharper thinking and creativity
• Immune system boost
• Improved mental health

Besides improving your health, Ozark Greenways points out that a bike-friendly transportation network offers even more benefits for the entire community:

• Addresses our obesity epidemic
• Provides us with family-oriented recreation opportunities
• Reduces the pollution in our air and water
• Protects our property from flooding
• Provides a safe alternative transportation routes
• Reduces traffic congestion
• Increases property values
• Enables a better quality of life for everyone

Bike Trails and Routes in Southeast Springfield, MO

You can access a helpful map of bike trails in Springfield, MO by visiting the Ozark Greenways website.

For Farmers Park residents, designated bike routes in Southeast Springfield include Republic Road traveling towards National Avenue and Campbell, and Ingram Mill and other nearby streets near the Galloway Creek area.

Farmers Park residents also have easy access to the Galloway Creek Greenway and the James River Greenway.

Galloway Creek Greenway

The first trail in Missouri to be designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and American Trails, the Galloway Creek Greenway runs north-to-south in Southeast Springfield from Pershing Middle School to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center and the Old Iron Bridge.

Points of interest along the trail include Sequiota Park and its historic cave, restaurants and shops at Galloway Village, and the Nature Center.

The trail connects to the James River Water Trail for those interested in canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and nature watching.

James River Greenway

The James River Greenway runs in two segments beginning at the Galloway Creek Greenway, west of the Old Iron Bridge

The first segment runs north from the Old Iron Bridge, crosses over Highway 65, and connects to bike route on Brunswick Avenue.

The second segment runs along the north bank of Lake Springfield, from the park entrance to the boathouse at the lake shore.

Make Safety a Priority

Finally, make sure to be safe when you’re using local bike routes and trails. The City of Springfield offers the following safety tips for cyclists on area streets:

• Protect yourself — wear a helmet, wear bright colors, have lights and reflectors on your bike, listen for traffic, trains, or warnings.
• Obey all traffic rules — stop at stop signs, yield to other traffic and pedestrians when necessary.
• Ride on right side of street in same direction as automobiles.
• Ride 2 to 4 feet from curb or edge of roadway.
• Ride about a car door’s width from parked cars.
• Pay attention to your position when going through an intersection. Turning right? Use the right side of the lane. Going straight? Use the center of the right through lane. Turning left? Use the left turn lane or left side of center lane.
• Check behind you when changing lanes.
• Position in lane for speed. Just like with a car, stay on the right side if you’re going slower than other traffic. Use the center if you’re going the same speed as other traffic, and if you’re going faster, pass on the left.

With a growing number of bike routes and trails, it’s never been a better time to navigate Springfield on two wheels!