Libby Boehmer, Guest Writer

The cities of Covington and Newport, Kentucky recently approved plans to implement more bike trails and prioritize pedestrian safety. 

On Aug. 27, the Board of Commissioners of Covington approved the Covington and Newport Bicycle Transportation Plan. This initiative aims to connect existing bike trails to create a cohesive route throughout northern Kentucky and across the Ohio River while also improving safety for pedestrians. 

These plans were initiated in response to the tragic loss of Gloria San Miguel, 32, who was struck by a car while riding her bike over the Girl Scout Bridge from Newport to Covington in August of 2022. Her passing brought attention to the dangerous conditions of the current car-centric infrastructure, even on roads with designated bike lanes.

The river cities of Northern Kentucky, namely Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas and Silver Grove, will be connected both by extending existing bike paths as well as implementing new routes. 

Riverfront Commons is currently 3.8 miles in length, but is projected to be extended to 11.5 miles once this project is completed. The completed path will offer beautiful views over the Ohio River as well as access to the Purple People Bridge into Cincinnati.

Another trail that will be extended is the Licking River Greenway Trail. Only 2 miles of this trail has been built along Covington’s Licking Riverfront, but it will eventually connect to Newport, Wilder and Taylor Mill. The path is less urban than most of the surrounding area and offers access to the Ohio River and Downtown Cincinnati.

Even those without bicycles have options. There are plans to implement a bike loaning program in Newport and Covington. This aspect of the Bicycle Transportation Plan is in its early stages, but city officials overlooking the plan agree it is a crucial aspect of providing safe and accessible transportation to everyone looking to use the trails.

Much of this plan was developed by Tri-State Trails, a Cincinnati based non-profit organization. The group works to connect trails and other avenues of pedestrian activity in the Greater Cincinnati area to promote public health, environmental sustainability and increase transportation options.

Locals of the area are excited about the trails as well. Carolyn Bruns, for instance, has been a member of a cycling group in Newport for about six years and says that she is happy “to see such a comprehensive effort being made to not only add to cycling infrastructure but also improve safety and promote connectivity between the river cities.” Biking is already a popular form of exercise and transportation in Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati, so the addition of safer and more convenient transportation options has been extremely well received and supported.