Cincinnati, Ohio – May is still National Bike Month in Greater Cincinnati, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While the typical offering of group rides and public events has been cancelled due to public health concerns, Tri-State Trails encourages you to ride a bike for exercise, recreation and transportation during the month of May.

“Trails and bikeways are one of the few places that have remained open during the stay at home order, and have proven to be an essential amenity for our community during this crisis,” said Wade Johnston, Director of Tri-State Trails at Green Umbrella. “As a result, these public spaces are experiencing a significant increase in traffic, especially on nice days.”

Tri-State Trails maintains a regional trail monitoring program that collects data on trail use year round.  From March 16 to April 6, trail use was up a total of 30% compared to the same time last year.  Some trails are seeing double or triple their normal traffic.

To respond to the increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic, communities around the world are temporarily closing road lanes to make room for safe physical distancing during the pandemic. “Tri-State Trails is exploring opportunities to bring this emerging best practice to our region,” Johnston said. “With less car traffic and more people out biking and walking in their neighborhoods, COVID-19 is emphasizing the need to expand our trail and bikeway network. We hope that exercising more frequently will remain a key part of everyone’s routine.”

As the weather gets warmer, popular paths will surely remain crowded. Tri-State Trails urges bicyclists to respect the physical distancing guidelines when passing other bicyclists and pedestrians, and only ride with members of your household. Now is the perfect time to explore a less busy trail or biking route. To find a place to ride during Bike Month and plan your trip, visit tristatetrails.org.