It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our dear friend and longtime supporter, Frank Henson, who passed away on December 8 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Frank was a trailblazer in Greater Cincinnati’s bike advocacy community. In the early days of Tri-State Trails, he played a pivotal role in organizing and advancing our mission, serving as Chair of the Executive Committee from 2015 to 2018. Beyond his work with us, Frank was deeply involved in impactful cycling initiatives, contributing to organizations such as Queen City Bike, Red Bike, Wasson Way, and the Little Duck Creek Trail in his cherished Madisonville neighborhood.

If bikes were being discussed in the public sphere, you could count on Frank to be present—often riding his Red Bike or folding bike in his unforgettable attire. Around this time of year, he became a beloved sight on the streets as “Bicycle Santa,” pulling a cargo trailer sleigh while spreading cheer.

Frank believed in the power of visibility to grow the cycling movement. He modeled this belief by living car-free, attending countless meetings and events, and sharing his cycling adventures on social media. Frank was a bridge builder, demonstrating the value of perseverance and collaboration to realize the vision of a connected trail and bikeway network.

More than an advocate, Frank was a kind, generous, and thoughtful individual who truly believed in the strength of community. His passion and presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.

We invite you to celebrate Frank’s life and honor his contributions to the cycling community this Saturday, December 14, at 3 PM with the Holiday Bright Ride organized by Queen City Bike and the Cincinnati Cycle Club. Register Here

As Frank would say, “Crank On!”