Each year, Bike Month is celebrated in May throughout the US and in many parts of the world. We love Bike Month in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati because it’s an exciting opportunity to connect with our community and showcase the many advantages of cycling, be it for leisure, fitness, or commuting. Starting in May during Bike Month, you’ll find fun events, organized group rides, opportunities to explore our region, and new ways to get involved with the active transportation community all year. 

Low-Stress Bike Map updates

Our team works year-round to keep the Low-Stress Bike Map up to date, ensuring it’s current and ready to be shared during Bike Month. This year we printed 12,500 copies of the third edition, which includes route enhancements like the new Beechmont Bridge connection and westward expansions on the Riverfront Commons and Ohio River Trail West. You can find copies of the updated Low-Stress Bike Map at various regional locations across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, including bike shops, libraries, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Tri-State Trails’ Low-Stress Bike Map is presented by Cincinnati Metro and supported by a Paula Nye Memorial Education Grant awarded by the Kentucky Bicycle & Bikeway Commission.

Find a Low-Stress Bike Map near you!

Talking about bikes on the Radio

On May 11, we joined Cincinnati Edition’s host Lucy May and our allies in the studio for a special Bike Month episode. In the first half hour, spokespeople from Tri-State Trails, Cincy Red Bike, and MoBo Bicycle Co-op shared news about the expansion of the CROWN trail network into Avondale, the growth of Red Bike into Walnut Hills, Avondale, and Evanston, and an invite to MoBo Bicycle Co-op’s annual plant and bike sale. In the second half, Marley Blonsky, co-founder, All Bodies on Bikes and local advocate Sea Dax discussed the growing movement to create and foster a size-inclusive bike community. Listen to the recorded live show here. 

Community Events

We began celebrating Bike Month early on April 22 at the Lick Run Greenway Earth Day event. Tri-State Trails and partners: MoBo Bicycle Co-op, Cincy Red Bike, REI, Reser Bicycle Outfitters, and Queen City Bike set up a Pop-Up Bike shop at the South Fairmont community event and repaired 27 bikes, provided free safety resources such as front and rear lights, sturdy U-locks, helmets from the Ohio AAP Put a Lid On It program, and information on how to join the cycling community. Find more information about upcoming Pop-Up Bike Shops and sign up to volunteer.

For the first time, Tri-State Trails participated in Rhinegiest Brewery’s monthly program, Beer For Humans, which spotlights local non-profit organizations brewing positive change in their communities. On May 17, during National Bike to Work Week, we organized a special Bike Month pint night where we had the chance to inform our guests about active transportation organizations and opportunities to get involved in our community. The event was a great success; we captured the moment with a group photo!

The 14th annual Breakfast on the Bridge was a massive hit, with over 250 people in attendance. We were amazed by the support from the cycling community and can’t wait to host everyone again in 2024. Attendees enjoyed coffee from Trailhead Coffee and breakfast from North South Bakery, Taste of Belgium, and Cookie Jar Bakery. We also distributed the updated Low-Stress Bike Map, Bike-Bingo cards, and gave away free Tri-State Trails bicycle bells. 

Our presenting sponsors, Great Parks and Cincinnati Metro were stationed near the entrance of the bridge, where they provided updates about their services and shared breakfast treats. There were seven additional sponsor tables, including Reser Bicycle Outfitters, Steve Magas and Chris Carville (Ohio and Kentucky Bike Lawyers), Cincinnati Public Libraries, Newport on the Levee, Ride Cincinnati, Live Well NKY, and TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky). We want to express our appreciation to all those who came out and supported this enjoyable community event.

Bike Joy

Bike Month encourages us to hop on our bikes and enjoy the thrill of using the strength of our bodies to travel to new destinations! There’s something about riding a bike that makes us feel free. With the wind in your hair and the feeling of the sun on your face, it’s a great way to get moving and clear your head. Plus, there’s something about the simplicity of it that is just so appealing. No fancy equipment or expensive gym membership is required, just you and your trusty bike. 

In conclusion, we love Bike Month because it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joys of cycling. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just starting, there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy during this exciting month and all year. So why not dust off your bike, hit the open road, and join the fun? With its many benefits for individuals and communities, there’s no better time to fall in love with cycling than during Bike Month!