This year marks a special milestone for Tri-State Trails: 10 years of advocating for a connected regional trail network across our ten-county region of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.  Dating back to the initial planning meetings for the first Regional Trails Forum, the Regional Trails Alliance galvanized under the leadership of Brewster Rhoads and Robin Corathers in the fall of 2012.  Today, the rebranded Tri-State Trails has grown to become the leading advocacy organization for active transportation issues in Greater Cincinnati.

Over the years, time, experience, and technology have influenced the way we gather and make progress. In 2022, we’re excited to introduce two new committees that broaden our engagement and elevate the conversation about the future of biking, walking, and being active. We invite residents and community advocates to be a part of our advocacy network by joining our Active Transportation Coalition, which will meet for the first time on March 23 at 4:00 PM via Zoom.

The coalition will learn from community organizers in Cincinnati’s Pleasant Ridge neighborhood and Franklin County, Indiana who are improving their homeplace through advocacy and grassroots-led projects. This group will work to empower everyday people to take action in their own neighborhoods. Active Transportation Coalition meetings will highlight the stories of passionate everyday people and their (sometimes long!) efforts on behalf of safety, active transportation, and access to recreation. We hope these meetings provide tangible tools for organizing and inspire people to take action in their own community.

The second group we’ve formed is our Regional Trail & Bikeway Committee, which met for the first time on February 25. Geared toward an audience of professionals and practitioners working to plan, implement, manage, and improve their trail systems, over 80 participants joined the meeting via Zoom to hear updates from thirteen projects around the tri-state. Each presenter shared their progress, highlighting new growth opportunities and the benefits of a connected trail and bikeway system. Updates shared at the first meeting helped allies gain a better understanding of where their neighbors’ are making progress so they may work collaboratively in the future. Our partners have made significant breakthroughs by improving safety, equity, and quality of life for countless residents while adding to the regional body of trail knowledge.

We’re feeling the momentum build around active transportation issues in our region, and we hope you are too. With renewed political support in our region’s largest city and increased funding opportunities at the federal level, we believe now is the time to do the work of engaging with new partners, uplifting underserved communities, and ensuring we build networks on the ground and among movements.

You’re invited to join us as we shape the future for the next generation! Stay tuned for upcoming meeting announcements and more ways to get involved.