Trail Angels
Bike patrol keeps helpful eyes on river parkway
By James Raia
October 2026
Sherry Martinez is an avid cyclist and community activist. She combines both interests as a member of the American River Bike Patrol.
The volunteer organization began providing trail safety on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail in 2020. The 23-mile paved pathway along the American River Parkway stretches from Discovery Park to Hazel Avenue.
Interest has grown fast among volunteers and regional communities. Roseville, El Dorado County and the state recently authorized the patrol to cover various paved, natural-surface and multiuse trails throughout the area.
Martinez is one of about 125 patrollers who cover around 350 miles. For years before joining the patrol, she organized a 10- to 12-mile social group ride called West Coast Wednesday. Patrolling gives her a unique experience.
“It’s one thing to want to help. It’s another thing to be able to help with skill,” she says.
Patrol cyclists are trained in CPR and outdoor safety. They carry medical and first-aid supplies and bicycle repair tools. The group provides ambassadorship, directions, trail etiquette information and public safety.
Patrollers are easy to spot. They wear a red jersey accented with a white cross. They don’t act as law enforcement but have direct-line contact with various agencies.
Martinez’s interest in the program piqued while talking with a patroller during her regular rides in Del Paso Heights. The patroller explained the details.
“It’s a lengthy process, but it’s definitely worth it,” says Martinez, who leaves her South Sacramento home to patrol several hours a week.
She adds, “The training is definitely important and needed. I’m finding that I am using it in my day-to-day life. When I’m leading my group ride, my riders feel a lot safer now that I can take care of a situation.”
Martinez doesn’t consider herself an expert cyclist. As a youngster, she rode with her dad. She tried mountain biking without taking the sport too seriously.
“But now it’s come to where I am leading group social rides,” she says. “It’s definitely recreational. But when I am riding on patrol, it’s different. You’re riding with a purpose. It’s definitely changed the way I ride.”
Martinez has been part of the American River Bike Patrol for just over one year. She’s a team leader and can assist with major incidents. Most patrol work is routine, such as helping parkway users who suffer from dehydration.
“My interactions with the public have mostly been positive,” she says. “When we are out on the trail, we want to engage with the community. We’re saying ‘hi’ to people as we are passing.”
The American River Bike Patrol promotes cycling and safe riding. Free bicycle helmets are distributed at “First Saturday” patrol gatherings each month and other events. Helmets are provided by UC Davis Health, Injury and Violence Prevention, and American River Bike Patrol.
“Being part of the patrol has been life-changing,” Martinez says. “Having the training behind me, it’s been great. It’s been rewarding. Everyone on the patrol… there’s camaraderie like no other.”
For information on American River Bike Patrol, visit americanriverbikepatrol.org.
James Raia can be reached at james@jamesraia.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
